Hillsborough's 1st Ever Girls Wrestling Team Makes History, Earns Championship Title

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — History has been made in Hillsborough. This was the first year the school district launched a Girls' Wrestling program, and the athletes did not disappoint - bringing home the 2026 Skyland Conference Champions.

"As a former Hillsborough Wrestler, I am proud to help create history with a program that so positively influenced my life. I have always been an avid fan and member of the wrestling community, so it has been a pleasure to witness its growth, its continuous progression, and the opportunities that it has provided so many including myself," said Head Wrestling Coach Rhys Weinberger to Patch.

Superintendent Michael Volpe, a former wrestler and coach of a 2001 state champion also shared his congratulations to the girls team.

"Wrestling taught me discipline and resilience long before I ever stepped into a coaching role. Seeing the exponential growth of the Girls’ Wrestling program isn't just a win for Hillsborough - it’s a win for these young women," said Volpe. "I know exactly what it takes to reach the top, and I am incredibly proud to see this program providing the platform for the next generation of champions to prove their mettle. They have what it takes."

Not only did the girls' team take home the championship, but they also ranked as high as #11 in New Jersey and qualified as a top 16 team for the first-ever NJSIAA Girls Team State Tournament. The team advanced as the 7-seed and was defeated by the 2-seed Gloucester in the South Section Quarterfinals.

According to Weinberger, the girls' accomplishments speak for themselves.

"Many of them put in work year-round, and even the brand new wrestlers committed right away to learning the sport and giving all of their efforts for their team," said Weinberger.

The program started with three girls in the 2023-2024 season and grew to 21 on the roster this season. Weinberger described the athletes as coachable, hard-working, supportive, and passionate.

This season marks the first time the girls' program was officially recognized as separate from the boys' program.

Previous Hillsborough female wrestlers, Shannon Oryniak and Leyla Hirsch, were acknowledged as early inspirations for the program.

"In my youth days, Shannon was the ONLY girl wrestler I had ever heard of, and beating up boys on the mat was a commonplace activity for her even through high school when she was on my team," said Weinberger.

Hirsch came along a couple of years after Oryniak, and would go on to follow a career as a semiprofessional wrestler, jumping from top ropes, etc.

"Knowing these two sparked my initial drive for building the girls program up at Hillsborough," said Weinberger.

High school coaches Steve Molinaro and Brian West, along with former Assistant Coach Justin Balunsat, were credited for their advocacy and foundational support.

The program anticipates making more history, with opportunities for the first NJSIAA District Champion, Region Champion, State Qualifier, State Place Winner, and State Champion female wrestler from Hillsborough High School.

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