LV Youth Wrestlers Take Second Straight Crown

Riding the strength of its sixth-graders–“murderer’s row”–the Long Valley Wolfpack won its second consecutive Northwest Jersey Midget Wrestling League title Sunday, Jan. 22 at Warren Hills High School, defeating High Point-feeder program, Branchville, 57-39.

All year long, the Wolfpack, finishing the season a perfect 14-0, was anchored by a group of experienced sixth-graders that dominated the upper weight classes. Coach Mike LeMay relied on his powerful upper-weights all season. “We knew all year that if our young guys down low kept it close, those guys will carry us home every time. That’s exactly what happened today,” LeMay said.

The Wolfpack’s brutal upper weight onslaught starts at 90 lbs with Matt Liberato, followed by 95-lber Marco Gaita, undefeated 102 and 110-lb brothers Ethan and Grayson Dolan, 125-lber Rourke Colligan, and closes out with undefeated heavyweight Trey Zgombic.

Assistant Coach Mike Liberato credits the sixth-graders with leadership on-and-off the mat. “That sixth grade class sets the tone in the practice room, mentors and encourages the young kids, and really enhances the confidence of the whole team. It’s a special group,” Liberato said.

Over the past two seasons, the Wolfpack’s Northwest team has lost just one match, assembling a 29-1 record to go along with their two team championships. But, to secure their second title Sunday, the veterans got some help from youngsters Brett Schaffer and Robbie Bohr, both turning in surprise pins that all but destroyed the Branchville Bombers’ hopes of an upset.

Although the Wolfpack graduates an exceptional group of 6th graders that also includes gutsy 76-lber John Hagler who battled not only his Branchville opponent Sunday, but also the flu, the cupboard is by no means bare, as Long Valley looks to win a 3rd Northwest title next season.

Current fifth graders Ricky DeFrance, Jack Lyden, AJ Hill, and Justin LeMay bring several years of experience to the task of leading the team next season, while Jeffrey Chaplin, Robbie Bohr, and Erich Diehl anchor a very strong fourth-grade class.

The long-term future looks even brighter, with youngsters Brett Schaffer, Eric Lyden, Dylan Turner, Michael Ferrante, and Michael Campanaro already contributing to Wolfpack championships before they complete third grade.

The Long Valley Wrestling program has over 100 wrestlers between Kindergarten and eighth grade, and competes in a number of Varsity and JV/Novice leagues designed for wrestlers of all skill and experience levels.  For more information, or to become a member of the group, visit longvalleywrestling.com.

All information and photo provided by Jeff Hill.