Grapplers Gaita, Caso, Bohr, LeMay and DeVito are Boardwalk Bound

Marco Gaita became West Morris Central’s third repeat Region champion Saturday, as Mike Caso took bronze and Robby Bohr, Justin LeMay and John DeVito all qualified for the NJSIAA State Championships in Atlantic City -- WMC’s largest contingency ever.

“We are thrilled to have five qualifiers,” said Coach Ken Rossi. “It not only reflects the effort of those wrestlers, but the effort of their teammates, coaches, families, and the community.”

Gaita (170, 33-2) topped #7 ranked (www.rankwrestlers.com) Lance Wissing in the semis, and #15 AJ Lonski in finals, joining Greg Cholish (1972-73) and Shane Metzler (2015-16) as the school’s only two-time Region champs. Gaita’s only in-state loss ended with an injury – as did his podium run last year.

Caso (113, 31-9) gave #1 ranked defending State Champion Anthony Clark his toughest bout, then pinned Mark DeAngelis to qualify for States, and Mendham’s Tristan Navarino for bronze.

“Knowing I reached my goal made me realize how I improved and all the hard work paid off,” said Caso. The senior wants to “win a match and have a fun time!” in his first trip to States.

LeMay (152, 30-6) nearly avenged two previous losses (by pin) to #2 Bryan Meyer and #7 Vincent Andreano (Full Circle), falling by three points combined. The WMC junior assured his return to Atlantic City by dominating Randolph’s Janny Lopez Valle by tech fall. Don’t be surprised if he beats a number of top-10 guys in AC.

DeVito (160, 30-10) delivered drama in consolation semifinals. Down 5-1 in the third, he pulled within 9-7 with seconds to go. DeVito scored at the buzzer to force overtime, and scored again to punch his ticket.

“There was so many emotions,” the junior revealed. “Making it to Atlantic City has been a dream for such a long time and seeing it come true feels amazing,” he said, crediting teammates and coaches.

DeVito may be only the second wrestler to follow a losing record season with qualifying for Atlantic City (West Point grad Adam Kratch, 2013).

DeVito’s bracket was stacked with a tournament-high eight top-50 ranked wrestlers. DeVito was the Region’s only wrestler seeded eighth or lower to advance.

Bohr (106, 27-10) is just the third WMC sophomore in memory to advance (LeMay and Metzler). Bohr topped Michael Rodriguez 3-1 to qualify.

“I knew all the hard work in the off season finally payed off,” said Bohr. “Going to Atlantic City has always been a goal, and I would not have achieved it without the support and guidance of my teammates and coaches.”

Bohr and LeMay’s brackets had the toughest path to finals, with three top-10 ranked wrestlers at 106, and two at 152.

Outstanding Seasons End

Robert Rosen (220, 24-7) completes his stellar wrestling career one scramble shy of Atlantic City, falling 3-1 in a controversial last second play to Giuseppe Canino, and ultimately placing 5th. Rosen topped Stephen Murphy in quarterfinals, and came within a takedown of eventual champ Trey Zgombic in semis, giving the former Wolfpack wrestler his toughest match.

Rosen finishes top-35 in WMC career wins, and ranked top 10% in the state senior year. He was undefeated in the division and in sectional playoffs, helping lead the team to gold and silver respectively. He’s placed 5th in the county, is a John Goles and two-time District finalist, XCalibur bronze medalist, and District 11 champion. Perhaps fittingly, he topped Canino earlier in the year when it mattered for the team against Mendham.

“Robert has outstanding character and has made unbelievable strides from youth wrestling to high school wrestling and from his freshman year to his senior year,” reflected Rossi. “He sacrificed for his teammates first all season and helped us find great team success.”

Luke Stefanelli (182, 25-9) remained alive in wrestle backs, but a deep head gash (requiring four staples) ended his tournament and season. NJ.com predicted the junior was going to Atlantic City. He took 4th at XCalibur, 2nd at Goles, 3rd at Counties, and District 11 gold.

Eli Shepard (126, 21-15) teched his way to quarterfinals, but Mendham’s Alex Schlegel avenged an earlier loss to eliminate the Wolfpack sophomore. He won District and Goles silver, and was 4th at Counties.

Colin Loughney (120, 21-13) won District silver, but the sophomore unable to compete at Regions due to injury. He won bronze at Goles and Counties as well.

Jonathan Vazquez (132, 21-13) concludes an outstanding wrestling career, among the top-50 winningest in school history, and ranked top-13% of 492 wrestlers in his weight class this season. He won a starting role as a sophomore but was limited by injuries. Vazquez was an upper-class leader for two of the team’s best ever seasons, including two Division Championships, and two Sectional finals appearances.

“Jonathan has infectious enthusiasm and work-ethic that has helped motivate our team all year,” said Rossi. “He is an excellent student, teammate, and friend.”

This year Vazquez won John Goles bronze, and placed 6th in Morris County. He won key dual meet bouts for the team over Roxbury (twice), Mt. Olive, Westfield, Kittatinny and DelVal. Vazquez graduates as a two-time District place winner, and goes out as a Regional qualifier.

Junior A.J. Hill (145, 21-14) and sophomore Kevin Ramos (HWT, 5-4) both conclude incredibly promising seasons in Regions quarterfinals. Returning from injury, Hill took 5th at Xcalibur, and won silver as a District 11 finalist.

A newbie, Ramos won or saved the team points in four late season duals. Wolfpack faithful won’t forget his dramatic pinfall in Sectionals, and improbable District 11 silver medal.

WMC at States

Last year’s group of Gaita, LeMay, Metzler and Kade Loughney tied the previous most sent to States. The team has won five States medals in the last quarter century -- Metzler in 2017 (7th), 2016 (5th) and 2015 (4th), Nick Matthews in 2013 (6th), and Dillon Landi in 2006 (4th).

Next Up

Rossi and Assistant Coaches Chris Marold, Jim Ballella and Tom Borgia will lead the team to the State Championships in Atlantic City, 3/2-4.

What does Rossi say we should look for in Atlantic City?

“Wrestling in Boardwalk hall on State Championship weekend has infectious electricity. Look for some of the most dedicated young men in the state putting themselves on the mat in order to achieve wrestling's ultimate goal.

“Look for Marco Gaita to rise to the occasion as he has done all year and make a charge to stand on the podium…

“Look for Justin LeMay to use his conditioning, flexibility, and pace to battle all weekend and be a dark horse…

“Look for Mike Caso focused and smiling as he takes the mat to chase his goals…

“Look for Robert Bohr to scramble and contort with some of the quickest competitors…

“Look for John DeVito to use his strength and will to wrestle every second of a six minute match.”

Wrestling in 100 Words

After the heart breaking career-ending loss, Rosen was asked what he would tell an eight year old considering the sport.

“I would say think about what you wish to grow up to be,” said Rosen. “Although wrestling can be a brutal sport -- and having been on the receiving end of some of the more painful moments, emotionally, of
wrestling -- the sport teaches important life lessons: dedication, hard work, and commitment. Wrestling offers you the choice to work hard and become something you may have never expected to be without its guidance.

“I can't guarantee you'll be a State Champion -- but I can guarantee you'll become prepared for whatever life throws at you in the future.”

Photo Credits

Susan Hill, Mollissa LeMay, Margaret Stefanelli and JoAnn Vazquez.