Marold Era of WMC Wrestling Begins with Dean Declaration

By David Yaskulka

12/19/21

KINGSTON, PA -- The Chris Marold era of West Morris Central wrestling began this weekend with freshman Brandon Dean declaring his presence among the upper-echelon of New Jersey wrestlers.

Newly minted Head coach Marold and the Wolfpack competed at the prestigious 17-team X-Calibur Tournament in Pennsylvania, as Dean knocked off NJSIAA’s returning bronze medalist Ryan Ford of Bergen Catholic on his way to a silver medal. The team placed fifth.

Dean (132 lbs., 3-1) is the first freshman in recent WMC history to knock off a top-5 wrestler – issuing perhaps the loudest statement win ever for a Wolfpack rookie.

“It was exciting for my first varsity tournament,” said Dean. “I’m really excited for our team and looking forward to the rest of this season.”

Fellow freshman Mark Montuore (106, 4-2) also had a breakout debut performance for the Pack, pinning Troy’s Konner Kerr for fourth.

Returning NJSIAA top-12 hammer Michael Campanaro (126, 4-1), and his longtime partner in crime (i.e., wrestling excellence) senior Michael Ferrante (113, 2-2) ascended the podium. Campanaro took bronze, and Ferrante fourth.

Juniors Michael Hare (120, 4-3) and Henry Frane (285, 4-2) contributed outstanding performances. After decking Bergen Catholic standout defensive tackle Rafi Bailey in the consolation semis, Frayne came from behind to pin West Chester’s Liam Keevil for fifth. Hare placed sixth.

“It was a tough weekend, but the team fought hard, and I feel we did pretty well,” said Campanaro. “Brandon had a great debut. We all saw him pin a returning state place winner and we were so excited for him. He’s going to help us out a lot this season.”

Observers saw Dean put West Chester senior Billy Wilson on his back in the championship, but was not awarded the pinfall. Wilson won 9-4.

The tournament was dominated by NJ powerhouse Bergen Catholic, which nearly doubled the score of second place Paramus Catholic.

Perennial national powerhouses Wyoming Seminary (the host team, which placed third) and Malvern Prep (seventh) sent most of their hammers to the concurrent Beast of the East Tournament.

X-Calibur Day 1

Dean Muttart (145) contributed two wins by pin to help elevate the team. Returning state qualifier and 2019 X-Calibur medalist Malachi Shepard (138), sophomore returning starter Sam Rizzuto (132), Patrick Stetz (215) and Vincent Caruso (145) all contributed pinfalls for the Pack.

Shepard was knocked from championship round in a 7-5 heartbreaker by eventual silver medalist Ryan Aquilani of Malvern Prep

X-Calibur Day 1 also marked the varsity debuts of Brendan McBride (152), Lucas Marisonek (215) and Shaun Seabeck (285), all of whom could play key roles this season.

Shoes of a Legend

Hall of Fame Coach Ken Rossi left his WMC wrestling shoes on the mat after last season, concluding a legendary career. Now the former Assistant Coach of the Year and Rossi’s right-hand-man for 15 years, takes the reins.

A math teacher, Marold likens the syntax of wrestling training to a mathematical order of operations – if you execute each step, success will follow.

Marold follows his mentor in an analytical approach to wrestling – and to succession planning.

“Ken and I have been building this program together for 15 years. We've kind of had this plan for a long time. He knew he always wanted to coach his sons, so we anticipated my taking over the program.”

Rossi actually first coached Marold when the new head coach was in high school. “So being the head coach now is pretty cool.”

“Ken’s a tough act to follow,” concluded Marold. “But I can’t wait.”

Moving on from 2020-21

The Pack was winless last season, due primarily to consistently forfeiting multiple weight classes. That will remain a challenge this season.

From 106 to 150 the team should be rock solid, with six returning experienced wrestlers and two impact freshmen (Dean and Montuore). Frayne could have a huge season up top, and sophomore Stetz brings some varsity experience and promise. But in between, it’s largely new wrestlers or no wrestlers.

It’s definitely a young team, with as many freshmen as seniors (three each), and dominated by sophomores and juniors. Ferrante and Shepard provide the senior leadership.

New assistant coach and former Wolfpack hammer Caleb Isemann joins the team and could help those mid-to-upper weight newbies improve fast. Isemann was a captain, and a state qualifier.

Marold suggested that there may be a number of captains this season – but not necessarily the same guys would captain every match.

—---------

Contributing writer David Yaskulka’s day job is Senior VP, Corporate Social Responsibility at Mid America Pet Food in Mt. Pleasant, TX, makers of Victor and Nature's Logic. He’s also Board Chair of Greater Good Charities, and Board Vice Chair of the Pet Sustainability Coalition. His sons wrestled for the Pack, and he encourages all wrestlers to connect with wrestling parents on LinkedIn, starting with him.