Gaita grabs century, paces ‘Pack wrestlers to 9-2

Marco Gaita joined the elite league of 100-win wrestlers Saturday, imparting well-earned insights for young athletes considering the sport. “Winning in wrestling is better than winning in any other sport because it can’t be done easily, and it’s just you out there with no one else to count on.” Gaita’s the eighth grappler to ever win 100 for WMC.

Gaita went 3-0 on the day, along with Jonathan Vazquez, Colin Loughney, Mike Caso and Justin LeMay, to lead the ‘Pack over Westfield, Delaware Valley and host Kittatinny. Topping Randolph earlier in the week, the Wolfpack is now 9-2.

Gaita joins Shane Metzler (144), initial century club member Nick Matthews (131), Kade Loughney (112), Dylan Luciano (111), Brandon Carcuffe (110), David Migliaccio (107) andJohn Sickles(105) among the winningest wresters in school history.

“I’d like to thank all my coaches, my family and great practice partners for any success I’ve had in the sport,” reflected Gaita.

“It feels great to finally join the club. It has been a goal for a long time,” said the 102-win senior, who could challenge for #3 on WMC’s all-time list.

“What I’ve liked most about the sport is the pure mental grind,” imparted Gaita. “Day in and day out hard work is needed to excel. You need to be – or need to become – mentally tough.”

Vazquez helps WMC vanquish DelVal 38-30

In a key coin-toss match, Vazquez defeated regional qualifier Tommy Schlitter 8-6, as lightweights Bohr, Caso and Loughney pinned to top the Terriers. Hill, Gaita and Stefanelli won for the Wolfpack.

As Caso stepped to the mat in the day’s final match, he knew a win was needed for a Wolfpack quad sweep. “When the ref slapped the mat, it felt good,” he said. “I was motivated to win for the team!”

DeVito, LeMay and Gaita spur 34-31 win at Kittatinny

The Wolfpack edged perennial powerhouse Kittatinny with wins over top-40 wrestlers (RankWrestlers.com) by DeVito, LeMay and Gaita – who majored #24 district finalist Josh Hiller.

Bohr, Loughney and Eli Shepard’s pins, and wins by Caso and Vazquez staked WMC a 24-0 lead. The Cougars would not recover, even though Stefanelli’s comeback came just short (7-5) of topping #11 Jacob Mafaro.

Caso, Shepard and LeMay lead WMC 50-17 over Westfield

WMC dominated Westfield highlighted by Caso’s overtime victory over #11-ranked Luke Hoerle. Shepard and LeMay also topped regional qualifiers, and A.J. Hill (pin) and Loughney beat wrestlers with 13+ wins.

The Wolfpack faithful gave two unusual standing ovations – for forfeits. One was for Gaita’s milestone. The other recognized sophomore Kevin Ramos’ varsity debut, which yielded team points at HWT for the first time since Alex Kaltenhauser in 2015-16. Stefanelli (pin), Vazquez and Parisi also won for the ‘Pack.

Hefner leads WMC over Randolph 46-27

Adrian Hefner led the ‘Pack to a decisive victory (January 18) over a conference rival Ram team that was 9-4. A decided underdog facing the 8-4 Kyle Winbush, Hefner dramatically decked the Ram senior to virtually assure a Wolfpack win with an early 21-0 lead.

Gaita pinned regional qualifier Nick Wolmart, as Bohr and LeMay also procured ‘Pack pinfalls. Vazquez won by major. DeVito and Shepard delivered Wolfpack victories.

Lyden, Ramos win WMC JV Tourney

Multi-sport athletes Jack Lyden and Kevin Ramos won WMC JV Tournament championships Sunday. Lyden was named Outstanding Wrestler at the highly-competitive event. Ramos took gold despite having only recently joined the team. Nick Kaltenhauser and Jorge Montenegro won silver. These up-and-coming upper weights bode well for the team going forward.

Closing Thoughts

WMC rose to #1 in the North 1, Group 4 team PowerPoint rankings at 29.14 points.

DeVito leads the team in wins, while Bohr, Hill and LeMay lead in pins.

A pack of eleven rank in the top-100 of their weight class according to RankWrestlers.com (and are projected to qualify for regions): Gaita #10 (170, 16-2), LeMay #14 (152, 16-2), Bohr #22 (106, 14-5), Caso #25 (113, 17-5), DeVito #35 (160, 18-6), Stefanelli #40 (182, 13-5), Rosen #40 (195, 13-4), Vazquez #67 (132, 14-8), Loughney #80 (120, 13-8), Shepard #81 (126, 12-8) and Hill #94 (14-9). Wrestling Full Circle has Gaita #6 and LeMay #10.

Caso rocketed into the top-20 all-time school win leaders, as LeMay joins the top-25.

Next Up

WMC hosts Morris Knolls 1/23, and visits Roxbury 1/24 (with likely conference championship implications). Morris County Tournament is 1/26-27 at Mt. Olive, ParHills 1/30 (home). The team visits Warren Hills 1/31 and hosts powerhouse Hunterdon Central 2/2. The week of 2/5 features Sectional playoffs and championship matches.

Credits

Photos by Susan Hill, Mollissa LeMay and JoAnn Vazquez.