Campanaro Wins Region Crown, Boardwalk Bound with Frayne

By David Yaskulka, 2/27/22

“I’ve trained my whole life for this,” reflected newly-minted NJSIAA Region 3 wrestling champion Michael Campanaro on his state tournament aspirations. “And I’m going to get it.”

“My goal for Atlantic City is to get on that podium,” he said. “It is long overdue and I’m not settling for anything less.”

The West Morris Central junior will be joined by classmate Henry Frayne who took silver at Saturday’s Region 3 Championship in West Orange. Top-four placewinners in each weight class advance to Boardwalk Hall, where they’ll compete with the best-of-the-best for a state championship March 3-5.

The top-eight wrestlers in the entire state ascend that legendary podium, where the likes of Jordan Burroughs, Anthony Ashnault, Nick Suriano and Sebastian Rivera once stood – as did WMC legends Colin Loughney, Justin LeMay, Marco Gaita, Shane Metzler (thrice), Nick Mathews and Dillon Landi.

"I'm very happy for Camp," said Head Coach Chris Marold. "He has worked very hard this season and is now a three-time state qualifier and has a good chance to get onto the podium. "

Last year Campanaro fell just short, placing top-12 in NJ after earning Region silver. This year, three teammates fell just short of joining Campanaro and Frayne.

Campanaro's Dramatic Run for the Crown

Campanaro’s (120, 31-7) run to the championship was dramatic. After besting Juan Millan 7-1 in the quarterfinals, Campanaro faced Warren Hills’ Josh Lee (ranked #34 in NJ by RankWrestlers) in the semis, and prevailed 4-2.

Phillipsburg freshman phenom Gavin Hawk (33-7) had narrowly escaped Hackettstown’s Nicholas Balella (who wrestled back for bronze) in the semifinals. But Hawk ranked #11, and was the consensus pick to win this tournament.

“I didn’t even know I wasn’t picked to win,” said Campanaro. “But I also don’t care. I just go out there and do my thing every match.”

That’s exactly what Campanaro did in the finals as well, pushing the pace, and ultimately overcoming Hawk 4-2 for the gold.

Frayne Journey “Feels Amazing”

Before he could break a sweat, Frayne (285, 30-9) pinned Cedar Grove’s Mark Ratel in 37 seconds to advance to the semifinals.

Then he defeated second-seeded Josh Hermann (28-11) from Mendham 9-5, which earned Frayne a spot in the finals, and a top-two finish.

“Growing up I used to go see the West Morris wrestlers compete through their seasons, districts and regions,” reflected Frayne.

“So being part of that and knowing I made it to the state tournament – and I’m going to wrestle in Atlantic City – feels amazing.”

Phillipsburg sophomore John Wargo upended the bracket by upsetting top-seeded and top-ranked Tyler McCatharn in the quarterfinals. Wargo then pinned his way to gold.

Frayne’s silver medal comes after the strategic decision to bump back up to heavyweight after wrestling most of the year at 215. It paid off again at Regions.

According to RankWrestlers, Hermann was Frayne’s second biggest win of the year, next to pinning Mt. Olive’s Riley Camoia.

What drove Frayne to become the only Wolfpack wrestler to exceed his seed and advance? “It was the realization that all the hard work that the entire team put in throughout the year, the many practices and matches, all led up to this.”

"It was great to see Frayne qualify," said Marold. "He has really stepped up as a team leader this year and his match in the semis was one of my favorite of
the tournament."

Marold used the same word as Frayne: "A heavyweight hitting a pederson late in third period to take the lead back and punch his ticket to AC against our crosstown
rival was simply amazing."

Freshman Phenom

Brandon Dean placed fifth, concluding one of the best freshman seasons in team history. Along the way, Dean won the District 11 championship, and knocked off some of New Jersey’s best wrestlers to compile a 33-6 record. If one of the four qualifiers were to bow out before the competition, Dean would be a replacement that could do some damage in AC.

"Brandon has a very bright future and I told him that he needs to use this
tournament as motivation," said Marold. "I thought he wrestled a little conservative and that caused him to take a heart breaking loss in the wrestle backs.

"With his work ethic I not only expect him to qualify next year, but I
expect him to be standing high on the podium in AC."

Appreciating Two Legends, “The Brothers I Never Had”

Seniors Michael Ferrante (113 lbs., 29-11) and Malachi Shepard (138, 27-10) concluded two of the finest careers in WMC history, both placing sixth.

Their (unofficial) career win totals of 71 and 73 respectively are top-30 in school history, despite their pandemic-shortened junior years. They very likely would have both finished top-15 if last season were full.

Reflecting on his disappointed teammates, Campanaro said, “They all worked hard this year and helped each other succeed. They are my second family and I love them to death.

“I’d especially like to thank the seniors and my best friends Michael Ferrante and Malachi Shepard. They have been a part of this journey since day one. They are the brothers I never had.

“I really wish they could be down in AC with me, but I’m glad for the years I had with them.”

Marold agreed, saying "It's always hard to see seniors loss their last match of their high school careers and that is especially true this year. Both wrestlers have been four year starters and have meant a lot to this program."

Returning Hammers in 2022-23

Freshman Mark Montuore (106, 26-14), and juniors Michael Hare (126, 25-10) and Dean Muttart (144, 21-13) will join Campanaro, Frayne and Dean as the team’s returning Region qualifiers – and expected hammers – next season.

Montuore defeated Madison senior Indio Pluchino 5-1 to start the tournament off right for WMC. Muttart also contributed a grueling 8-7 victory over Verona’s Jake Ferry.

R3 Stats

Frayne’s 37 second pin was the seventh-fastest of the tournament. Frayne also exceeded his seed to place, something only 31 of 224 competitors accomplished.

Coach Chris Marold’s WMC Wolfpack finished seventh out of 36 teams in the unofficial TrackWrestling team score count, behind Delbarton, Phillipsburg, Warren Hills, Livingston, Seton Hall Prep and Hanover Park (there is no official team score). But the Wolfpack was 35th in seed-place-difference.

Locally, Mendham wrestler William Schlegel will advance to states. He placed fourth at 150. Hermann was the next closest, placing fifth.

Contributing writer David Yaskulka’s day job is Senior VP, Corporate Social Responsibility at Mid America Pet Food in Mt. Pleasant, TX. He’s also Board Chair of Greater Good Charities, and Board Vice Chair of the Pet Sustainability Coalition. His sons wrestled for the Pack.