BY EMMA HEAGEN
The boys wrestling team won the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group V Championship and the GMC Tournament this season, and after placing second in the NJSIAA Group 5 Tournament, finished with a record of 22-7.
The boys wrestling team, with first place performances by Temiloluwa Odumbo and Zachary Florio, won the GMC tournament for the first time in school history. “I have lost the finals before, so it’s a good feeling to finally get the big win,” said Florio.
The team defeated Jackson High School in the NJSIAA CJG5 Team Tournament Finals to qualify for the NJSIAA G5 Tournament. “It feels great to achieve my goals after so much hard work,” said Odumbo, who earned two major decision wins against Monroe and a pin against Kingsway.
After defeating Bridgewater-Raritan in the semifinals, the team competed in the NJSIAA Group 5 Championship against Southern Regional High School, the top ranked public school in the state on February 22. “Although we lost, it was a great experience,” said junior Griffin Nugent, who had a pin against Southern.
The team competed in the Ron Mazzola Memorial Tournament on December 20, where they came second to Southern. “We have all worked extremely hard this season, and it’s all paying off,” said Nugent, who won his match in the tournament with a 13-4 major decision.
These athletes started preparing for greatness this season even before it began, working together to get stronger and build bonds between teammates. “Ever since the offseason, everyone was putting in work, and it showed this entire season,” said junior Gavin Young, who finished his season with 26 wins, including 17 pins. “Day in and day out, each and every one of us [was] in the wrestling room getting better for the season.”
The team also won two significant matches against Kingsway and Ridge, ranked second and fifth in their respective divisions. “They are two very good programs,” said Nugent. “Both of them came down to the last match.”
In the District 9 Championships, 11 of 14 starting varsity wrestlers took top three, including individual champions Zachary Florio, Gavin Young, and Landon Lazoja, who all moved on to Regionals. “It feels amazing to be a part of a historic team for Old Bridge,” said Florio.
These athletes worked day after day to prove themselves and make this season memorable. “When it’s wrestling season, it’s like I have a bunch of brothers,” said Florio. “Having your teammates who are doing the same things as you just for the love of the team and the sport is a really cool thing. It’s like a family.”
Posted on March 19, 2026
Photos by Lors Photography
Knight Life 