Loughney, Luciano and Windt win WMC gold

Wolfpack takes 2nd with seven first-time starters

Freshman Kade Loughney took first place at the West Morris Central Tournament, dominating Manville sophomore Bobby Demeter (18-15 last year) in the 113 lb. finals Saturday. Dylan Luciano (126) and Jesse Windt (220) also contributed Wolfpack gold as the team secured a silver medal -- despite giving seven wrestlers their first-ever varsity experience.

Shane Metzler, also a freshman, took silver (106) along with senior Aldo Cammalleri (182). Junior Michael Oros (138) and sophomore Caleb Isemann (152) won bronze.

 

Despite starting so few wrestlers with varsity experience, WMC equaled the tournament result of last year’s historically successful team, placing second -- a promising sign. Manville took first with 127 team points to WMC’s 122, followed by Rahway 118, Pascack Valley 105.5, Pingry 85, Mountain Lakes 46 and Chatham 30.

 

“I think that taking second was a good start to the season,” reflected Oros, “especially after graduating the seniors from last year [WMC’s best-ever senior class]. It was clear that we were the best conditioned team there which helped us tremendously. I believe that many of the new varsity starters will bring a lot to the team this year.”

 

Freshman Taylor Parkinson-Gee and sophomore Noah Yaskulka – both wrestling up a weight class (285 and 145 respectively) -- and senior Anthony Rivera (132) each took home his first-ever varsity win. Seniors Greg Ierokomos (160) and Anthony Fallick (170) also made varsity debuts.

 

“It feels great to know that all the hard work is paying off,” said Loughney, reflecting the feeling of many wresters who toil long hours for many months before the season starts. Loughney won both of his matches impressively, with major decisions.

 

Luciano also impressed in both his matches, pinning Manville’s Milton Teixiera in the finals. Windt pinned Rahway’s Quincy McClullum for his gold.  Luciano and Windt were top seeds in their brackets.

 

Metzler, Oros and Isemann each had one loss on the day – all to top wrestlers with 20+ wins each last year.

 

John Schade, David Migliaccio, Ben Yaskulka, Thomas Stoll and Nick Stanzione missed the tournament due to injury.

Complete WMC varsity results can be seen here.

 

Junior Varsity

The JV squad had a strong showing as well, led by freshman Christian Trimarchi who pinned both his opponents. Sophomores Michael Brown, Shea Owens and Alex Kaltenhauser were among those seeing their hands raised – Kaltenhauser on his first-ever day of competition.  

 

Next Up

Oros summed up what’s next, saying “Coach [Ken] Rossi told us that we all still had a great deal of work to do whether we individually won the tournament or did not place. He wants us to keep working hard so that we are prepared for a tough dual season.”

 

True to his word, Rossi brought in a US Marine Drill Sergeant (literally) to run Monday’s practice, which was joined by alum and 2013 State Qualifier Adam Kratch. At the WMC Tournament, Kratch reflected that workouts at the United States Military Academy (where Kratch is first-year cadet) were not difficult for a graduate of Coach Rossi’s program.

 

The team will compete at the John Goles Tournament Friday December 27 at Warren Hills, and will be at home the morning of New Year’s eve, December 31 versus North Hunterdon.

 

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