Friday's Recap: NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships

ATLANTIC CITY — The Livingston High School wrestling team entered the NJSIAA State Championships with five wrestlers on Friday evening at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.  Two wrestlers advanced to Saturday morning's quarterfinal round.

Justin Estevez  (33-6) at 135 pounds  defeated Parsippany's David Standridge (27-6) 7-5 in the preliminary round. Estevez was pinned in the pre-quarterfinals, however, by Monroe's Sam Emburgia (31-4) in 2:30. Estevez is still alive in the consolation bracket, where he will face Northern Burlington's Wayne Stinson (31-4).

Brandon Bright (145) was a winner in the prelims with a 7-3 decision over Anthony Melon (18-13) of Paramus. Bright lost in the pre-quarters though in a tough bout with Kittattiny's Chris Brudge (31-4).  Bright will face either Absegami's Shane Robinson (32-4) or Somerville's Micah Blair in a 5th place consolation Saturday morning.

Three Lancers didn't make it out of the preliminary round, and their seasons' came to a close with valiant efforts: Jason Estevez (112), P.J. Farinella (119), and Michael Silverberg (215). Estevez (29-3) lost a 10-5 decision to Delaware Valley's Mike Pongracz (36-4). Farinella (31-6) fell 6-3 to Sergio Gregorian (29-5) of Fair Lawn 6-3. Silverberg (28-6) withdrew before even hitting the mat.