Bloomfield Wrestling Rallies, but Falls to Verona

Monday night's Verona-Bloomfield wrestling match came down to the final bout, but Bengals' coach Sam Fusaro is quick to point out that every one of the 14 carries just as much importance.

Verona senior Craig Cundari (28-7) delivered the Hillbillies' 36-32 win with a fall at 160 pounds. Verona, having one of its better season in recent memory, finished its dual-meet season with a 18-7 record. Bloomfield fell to 9-14.

"It's the first time we've beaten Bloomfield in five tries,'' said Verona coach Don Morgenroth.

The season continues with 32 district tournaments around the state. Bloomfield, the defending District 14 champ, will be with host Livingston along with Montclair, Nutley, Belleville, Newark Academy, Montclair Kimberley and Newark East Side and Newark West Side. Verona wrestles in District 13 at West Essex High.  

Bloomfield's final dual meet started at 152 pounds where senior Mike Cumming (19-9) beat sophomore Joe Coardasco 3-1. Verona then won six straight bouts - four by fall and an 11-4 decision by junior 171-pounder Taylor Dellecole. Bloomfield, which hasn't had a 103-pounder all season, forfeited that weight and Verona led 33-3.

Bloomfield senior Chris Rosetti, 25-3, was awarded a forfeit at 112 and junior 119-pounder Sergio Santiago and junior John Michael Costantino (23-8) followed with a fall and technical fall as the Bengals cut the lead to 30-20. Verona senior Mike Randall (21-7) edged sophomore Justin Arias 7-6 at 130 before Bloomfield freshman Mike Galli won 7-3 at 135, sophomore Nathaniel Garcia won by fall at 140 and freshman Justin Corio won 6-3 at 145 to give the Bengals a 32-30 lead. But Cundari pinned with six seconds left in the first period to give Verona the win.  

"It's like a football game where the first play of the game is as important as the last play,'' Fusaro said. "We felt it was a competitive match.''

The Bengals were without senior 189-pounder Joe Finkler (7-1) and senior 152-pounder Cavan Penberthy (17-8) and junior 145-pounder Ian Chauncey (18-11), who were out with injuries.

"Injuries are part of the game,'' said Fusaro. "The kids are hurt, but other kids in the room need to step up. Injuries are a big part of every sport. It's no excuse.''  

Fusaro is hoping that a few of his wrestlers can make it to the Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall and the NJSIAA State Tournament the weekend of March 4-6. The first step is the districts. Rosetti and Finkler are returning champions and Chauncey finished third last season. The top three go on to the Region IV Tournament next week. The top three from that tournament in each weight head to Atlantic City.

"It's fun,'' Fusaro said. "This is the best time of the year."