Metzler's repeat as NJSIAA wrestling medalist has lessons for all

“Repeating is harder than anything else,” reflected Usain Bolt.

Shane Metzler became West Morris Central’s first wrestler in 43 years to repeat as an NJSIAA State Championship medalist Sunday, placing 5th in New Jersey.

Greg Cholish last accomplished the feat in 1973.

Metzler ascended the storied Boardwalk Hall podium in Atlantic City, where wrestlers drawn from 250 schools test their mettle against the best of the best – the state’s top 24 wrestlers in each weight class.

Metzler made WMC proud as its representative on that podium for the second year in a row.

Caleb Isemann also represented the Wolfpack at States with guts and glory.

“I was very proud of Shane and Caleb’s performance In Atlantic City,” said WMC Coach Ken Rossi. “We encourage the boys to leave everything on the mat and that is exactly what both boys did.”

Epic Match

Metzler came within one point of the championship finals, losing 8-7 in triple overtime to eventual two-time state champion Brandon Cray. Metzler even had Cray on his back, but unfortunately for WMC fans, Cray would not be pinned, and no points were awarded.

“That match was electric,” reflected Rossi. “It embodies what high school wrestling is all about and shows why 10,000 people flock to Atlantic City every year.”

Cray and Metzler embraced after the physically and emotionally draining semifinal in a show of admiration and sportsmanship.

“Wrestling the returning and eventual state champ was an enlightening experience,” said Metzler. “I proved to myself and to others that I can compete at such a high caliber of wrestling. Cray and I know each other from club training and have become friends.”

Overcoming Adversity

Metzler’s journey to Atlantic City included a hospital trip for dehydration, and a fractured elbow growth plate, both just prior to winning the Region 1 championship.

“The pain kicked in after States,” he quipped.

Before Metzler placed 4th last year, WMC placed only 16 medalists since 1961. Nick Matthews was the last, placing 6th in 2013. Only Cholish (1973), a three-time medalist, and Mike Mulrooney (1991) placed higher than the WMC junior. They won it all – something to which Metzler aspires his senior year.

“I'm not satisfied with a 5th place finish, but I'm proud to place in such a tough bracket, losing a tight match to an eventual two-time state champ further proves I can be a state champ as well, and I'm going to put the work in to do so. I have one season left to make it happen, and I will.”

Isemann’s Outstanding Career

Isemann completed his outstanding wrestling career where every wrestler dreams that will occur, in Boardwalk Hall.

The WMC senior co-captain pulled off one of the tournament’s best upsets, topping Piscataway’s second-seeded Region 5 finalist Michael Petite (35-7) by 8-6.

Rossi cited the match as his highlight of the tournament.

Sadly, the back injury and spasms that hampered Isemann’s off season recurred during his 3-2 loss to North Hunterdon’s Derek Ciavarro (26-4), and Isemann was unable to compete in the consolation round.

"Before the (Ciavarro) match, I knew it was a long shot," said Isemann. "But I had to go out and put on the singlet one last time."

Petite went on to medal, despite the loss to Isemann.

Isemann concludes one of the best seasons and careers in WMC wrestling history, finishing 33-9 for the season, and 80-46 for his career. He’s only the 35th wrestler in school history to compete in Atlantic City, and finishes with the 14th most wins in school history, passing Mike Sickles (72) and Chris Cholish (78).

Isemann’s senior year highlights include medaling in every tournament before back spasms forced him out of States, placing 3rd at Flo-X-Calibur, 1st at John Goles, 3rd in Morris County, 2nd in District 1, and 3rd in Region 1.

"I love this sport and it has done so much for me and my family," he concluded.

Metzler’s Mark

Last week at the Region 1 Championship, Metzler became the first junior and sixth wrestler in West Morris Central history to reach 100 career wins, the first repeat Region champion since Cholish 43 years ago.

Along the way, the WMC co-captain topped Garfield’s Jordan Robinson (36-5) 5-3, and Delsea’s Region 8 champ Edison Echevarria (29-12) 5-2. To place 5th, Metzler outlasted East Brunswick’s Mark Schleifer (33-6) in overtime, 3-1.

Metzler finishes the season at 38-2. His only losses were in Atlantic City, and like last season, only to wrestlers finishing even higher on the podium. Eventual fourth place finisher Gianni Ghione of Brick (35-3) topped Metzler in the consolation semifinals.

Along the way, the University of Maryland recruit took gold at every other tournament, including Flo-X-Calibur, John Goles, Morris County, District 1 and Region 1. He became the first junior in WMC history to reach 100 wins, and now sits at 105-14. That ties John Sickles for the 5th most wins in school history.

“Overall I'd like to thank my parents for tremendous support, and my coaches for guiding me to this point, and my teammates for always rooting for me. I'm truly appreciative for the West Morris community. I'm grateful to have a team of people supporting me,” said Metzler.

Believe, Work, Repeat

Shane’s parents Tamsin and Jeff Metzler shared that Shane “feels the key to success is to believe in your preparation and yourself.”

“Shane always had the goal to be a State Champ,” they said. “We know he will continue to drive himself until he is … We’ve witnessed his energetic, competitive spirit. He sets a thought in motion without fear of results. He’ll succeed both on and off the mat because he believes in himself.”

That’s a success formula we can all strive to repeat.