BY JAMIE HAZEL
Wrestlers Logan Roman, Emma Sagi, and Jenna Magrino qualified to compete in the NJSIAA State Tournament in Atlantic City. Sagi, now a two-time state place-winner, placed fourth in her weight class, and Magrino placed eighth.
The journey to the NJSIAA State Championship began at districts where team captains Jake Tenebruso, Dominic Paulino, and Logan Roman all qualified for regionals. Tenebruso defeated Devan Monahan from East Brunswick and Andy Jiang from South Brunswick, but took an unfortunate loss to Frank Romeo from Red Bank Catholic to place second in his weight class. “They were all great matches for me and my opponents,” Tenebruso said. “I know next year I’m going to come away with the win.”
Paulino also placed second in his weight class at districts. He defeated Jamie Gutridge from Red Bank Catholic, Daniel Inestroza from South Brunswick, and lost to Conor Delaney from Rumson. “Dominic Paulino had a great junior year,” shared Tenebruso. “He is a great leader, and he demonstrated his skills very well on the mat. I can’t wait for what he is going to do next year.”
Logan Roman expectedly advanced from districts by beating Thomas Nielson from South River, Michael Moshos from East Brunswick, and Eamon Fry. Roman did not lose a single match all season. “[Roman] overcame every challenging opponent he faced this year, including several state-ranked wrestlers,” said coach John Post.
These three boys went to regionals, the last competition standing between them and the NJSIAA State Championship. Tenebruso won one of his three matches to place sixth. Paulino won three of his five matches to place fifth. Roman won three straight matches, becoming the 2024 Region 5 Champion. “Delbarton’s 113, Peter Terranova, was a challenge in Region 5 finals match. I’ve never wrestled him before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect,” explained Roman. “It was a match I needed to get my head straight.”
The girls also competed in regionals where sophomore Sofia Sousa placed fourth. “I prepared for those matches by putting in the work at practices and mentally preparing myself for a high level of challenge,” shared Sousa. “I overcame the majority of the pressure by focusing on what’s going on in the moment instead of thinking ahead and didn’t let any bad thoughts into my head.”
Sagi also found success at regionals, resulting in her advancement to the State tournament. She only lost to Dominique Lopez, and won over Nathalie Arguedas, Rowan Lacy, and Noelysmar Estrada. “This sport is a mental game, once you win at that, the rest is easy,” explained Sagi.
Magrino also finished victorious with only one loss to Charlize Schlam and three wins against Rodaina Elshafey, Isabella Biviano, and Alexa Meegan. “I really just had to get in the right headspace,” said Magrino, explaining the key to her success.
Roman, Magrino, and Sagi’s hard work paid off and they earned trips to Atlantic City to compete in the annual NJSIAA State Championship competition. Old Bridge Mat Rats made these three new OBW gear to show off Old Bridge’s talent to everyone in New Jersey. Unfortunately, Roman did not compete due to illness. “The way my high school season ended was unfortunate but I’m proud of all the achievements I’ve made throughout my journey. It’s a good feeling knowing that the younger generation of wrestlers look up to me,” said Roman.
Magrino placed 8th in the State in her weight class. Her first match on February 29, she had a 4-3 win over Caelum Ritzdorf from Metuchen. In the quarterfinal round, she lost to Kayla Vazquez, but followed it up with an impressive 7-4 win in Third-Place Consolations over Madelyn McLaughlin. In her final two Third-Place Consolations round, she lost to Leila Gearl and then finally lost to Kyla Franson. This guaranteed her 8th place finish. “I was proud that I placed in the tournament,” said Magrino. “Placing was my goal, so I just went out there and gave it my all.”
As only a second-year wrestler, Magrino finished her season 25-7 with many accomplishments: eighth in the state of New Jersey, Ron Mazzola Memorial Champ, GMC Championship Finalist, and Central Region Finalist. “I just wanted to go out there and have fun and try to do my best. Even though it was my last go, I looked at it in a positive aspect,” explained Magrino.
Sagi placed fourth in state in her weight class. In the quarter final round, she beat Isabella Bobadilla by a pin. She then went into the semifinal round where she lost to Jada Pichardo. In the Third-Place Consolations, Sagi beat Isabella Konopoka 5-3. Finally, she lost to Lilana Zaku-Ramos and secured her fourth place finish. “I was just happy with the opportunity to compete in Atlantic City, something that most people don’t even get to do,” said Sagi.
Sagi finished her season 32-5 and as the fourth-place wrestler in the state of New Jersey, a Ron Mazzola Memorial Champ, EB Lady Bears Invitational Champ, Lakewood Lady Piners Champ, Elizabeth Lady Minutemen Champ, GMC Championship Finalist, Central Region Finalist, and a two-time State place-winner. “I am most proud of my finish at states,” said Sagi.
Old Bridge has truly made a name for itself in the wrestling world. “There are definitely many challenges that this sport comes with,” shared Sagi, but despite the many challenges of the season, Old Bridge’s wrestlers wrote their own history and returned in triumph.
Posted on 3/18/24
Photos by Michayla Smith and Lors Photography
Knight Life 