Metzler Makes Wolfpack Wrestling History With Run at State Championship

It may have not been the ultimate goal Shane Metzler set to start this wrestling season, but it’s one for the West Morris Central record books, and the Wolfpack sophomore should be proud.

After dominating his opponents in the District 1 tournament and taking home gold, Metzler, at 106 pounds, punched his ticket to the state tournament in Atlantic City during the first full weekend in March.

Metzler started the tournament with a bye in the first round, then made quick work of Colts Neck’s Joseph King with an 11-2 major decision. That’s when Metzler hit the ultimate obstacle, Gerard Angelo of Hanover Park.

The Central wrestler did what he could over three periods, but fell to the eventual 106-pound champion 3-2.

At that point Metzler moved over to the wrestle back bracket, where he beat Joe Manchio of Seneca, 7-5, then Carmen Ferrante of Bergen Catholic, 2-1.

That set up Metzler for his final match of the weekend and a shot at third place. Metzler was pitted against Jonathan Tropea of St. Joseph-Montvale and, despite nearly forcing a takedown at the buzzer, fell 3-2 for fourth place.

Three of the top four winners at the weight class came from Morris County schools, including Angelo, second-place finisher Pat Glory of Delbarton, and Metzler.

Central wrestlers Dylan Luciano and David Migliaccio also qualified for the state tournament at 120 pounds and 145 pounds, respectively, but were both eliminated in the early rounds.

According to West Morris Central Wolfpack Wrestling, Metzler has hit a historic mark for the school. Fourth-place finishers at the tournament from the school include Dillon Landi in 2006, and Brian MacGuire in 1993. The only Central wrestlers to ever win gold at the statewide tournament was Mike Mulrooney in 1991 and Greg Cholish in 1973.

The last West Morris Central wrestler to hit the top-8 podium was Nick Matthews in 2013.

Pictured: Photo 1: Shane Metzler in action against Jonathan Tropea. Photo Courtesy Karen Wall. Photo 2: The top eight finishers in the 106-pound bracket. Shane Metzler is third from right. Photo Courtesy West Morris Central Wolfpack Wrestling.

Editor’s Note: The original version of this article omitted Greg Cholish’s state championship title in 1973.

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