Boys wrestling top 20 in NJ

Richard Maloney, who has a 7-2 record in dual meets, flips his opponent to go for a pin.

BY CATHERINE SHAPIRO

The boys wrestling team has continued to uphold excellence with numerous achievements this season, such as NJ.com ranking them number 20 in the state, an overall record of 11-3, and a 4-1 record in the county.

The team opened the season on December 19 by beating the reigning NJSIAA Sectional Champions, Monroe, and paving the path for success. “The key to my success was putting the time in during the off season, I put so much time in since the season ended to since it started and that’s what really makes the difference,” said David Peoples, who has a current record of 12-1 and won his match against Monroe with a 6-5 decision.

The boys competed in the Ron Mazzola Memorial tournament at the end of December and finished second. “A personal highlight for me so far is winning the Ron Mazzola tournament. It is good to be back with the team, and I can’t wait to see what else we accomplish the rest of the year,” said junior Griffin Nugent, who won his bracket with a major decision in the championship.

Senior Zachary Florio remains undefeated with a personal record of 13-0. Last season, Florio and Gavin Young made it to the NJSIAA State Wrestling Tournament in Atlantic City.

Noah Ferreiras works to get top position.

“There hasn’t been a day of practice where we haven’t worked our hardest. Like our coach says, ‘were always working to get one percent better every day,’ And I think that is what separates us from most teams and puts us among the best in the state,” said Young. This season, Young has opened by winning his first 11matches across three different weight classes.

Many wrestlers, such as sophomore Lorenzo Granato, who recently had a walk off pin for his team to win a match against Ridge, have dominated their competition this season. “The key to success is to keep working and never give up,” said Granato, who pinned his opponent in 2:21 in the decisive match.

Thomas Lombardo grapples with his opponent.

Sophomore captain Ryan Hoey came through for the team with a key pin against Ridge and a major decision against Monroe. “I hope to go on and do well in the upcoming county tournament and finish the season trying to make it to states.” said Hoey.

With the GMC and NJSIAA Tournaments approaching, the boys prepare by making goals for themselves and their team. “I hope we can win the sectional tournament this year as a team.” expressed Nugent, who has a personal record of 13-2 this season.

The boys will compete in GMCs starting this afternoon at Piscataway High School.