WMC defends Division crown, now #19 wrestling team in NJ

West Morris Central successfully defended its National Division crown, dominating Parsippany Hills and Warren Hills. At 13-2, WMC enters the team Sectional playoffs as the top seed for the first time in Coach Ken Rossi’s career.

“WMC is a team on the rise,” says Donald Brower, one of the NJ Wrestling Writers Association (NJWWA) voters who ranked WMC #19 in the state this week.

Repeating as Division champs “was an important goal,” said Rossi, achieved once before in school history – almost four decades ago.

“The team has accomplished more than any of us thought we could,” said senior captain Marco Gaita. “It just shows how all the guys have individually advanced since last year.”

Team Sectional Playoffs

Another NJWWA voter, Mike Weilamann of Open Mike (http://mikeopen.blogspot.com/), picks WMC to win the Group 4, North 1 Section playoffs this week, saying “Keep an eye on West Morris. Coach Ken Rossi's team is wrestling very well, with losses [only] to state-ranked Southern and High Point.”

Brower, of MorrisCountyHSWrestling.com, says “WMC will have a tough match up with Mendham in the Sectional semis, but if they get past that, they should make it to Toms River [for State championships].

Justin LeMay, a junior captain, agrees. “The team so far is doing great. If everyone wrestles the way I know they can, we shouldn’t have a problem winning the Section.”

Junior A.J. Hill emphasized the team’s “main focus is on winning a Sectional title.”

“Being ranked is a nice honor, but the proof will be in winning the Section,” Rossi explained. “It won't be easy... all the teams are solid. It will come down to bonus points.”

WMC won its only Section title in 1988.

Gaita, Lyden and Hill lead WMC over Warren Hills 46-20

It was déjà vu for Blue Streaks’ Jarod Ostir, #8 in NJ at 182 (rankwrestlers.com), as Gaita bumped up for a Region 3 finals rematch, prevailing again 3-2, giving Ostir his first loss – and winning his third straight over ranked opponents.

Jack Lyden and Hill stepped up for critical upsets.

Lyden came out like gangbusters to pin Nicholas Hildebrandt. “Coach Rossi says it’s always a tossup when we face Warren Hills,” shared Lyden, a key reserve and likely starter next season. “When I heard the ref slap the mat, it was a great relief.”

Hill avenged a Goles Tournament loss to Chris Ostir, saying “I made a few mistakes at Goles that I was able to fix this week” with a 5-2 victory.

LeMay, Nick Kaltenhauser and Stefanelli delivered pins, and Caso a major. Shepard, Vazquez and Rosen fell to top-50 wrestlers -- Rosen 3-1 to 14th ranked Nicolas Galka.

WMC tops Parsippany Hills 72-7

The once proud Viking squad had just seven competing. LeMay made quick work of a 15-win Viking as Chris Parisi, Hill, Lyden and Stefanelli also issued swift pinfalls.

Forfeits gave Nick Chisari his first, and Kevin Ramos his second varsity win. Hefner wrestled tough, losing 5-2 to 15-win Samuel D’Uva. Karan Bajaj fell 12-4 in his varsity debut.

WMC celebrated its seniors before the 1/30 home match: Caso, William Apostolico, Vazquez, Bajaj, Parisi, Max Kraft, Gaita and Rosen. Parents’ poignant appreciations of their sons’ hard work and achievements were proudly read.

Playoff Schedule

The week features Sectional playoffs and championship matches: 2/5 quarterfinal Old Tappan at WMC, then if WMC advances, 2/7 semifinal (vs. Mendham/Wayne Valley winner) and 2/9 finals (vs. winner of Fair Lawn/Mt. Olive and Passaic Valley/Roxbury matches), both at home.

Race for Atlantic City

After team playoffs, wrestlers will vie for individual honors at Districts, Regions and, for the 36 best of the best in each weight class, States.

According to RankWrestlers.com, WMC has six wrestlers ranked top-36 in the state: Gaita (#8, 170), Caso (#18 at 113), Bohr (#21 at 106), LeMay (#23 at 152), DeVito (#25 at 160) and Rosen (#36 at 195). And six more are within striking distance: Stefanelli (#48 at 182), Loughney (#59 at 120), Vazquez (#65 at 132), Shepard (#74 at 126) and Hill (#86 at 145).

Gaita said “We have so many tough guys that can upset just about anyone” – so don’t count anyone out.

As Hill says, “I hope to continue to wrestle well and make it to Boardwalk Hall,” the venerable site of the State championships in Atlantic City.

Gaita says “I’ve been wrestling well lately against great competitors – it shows me that I am able to accomplish my goal of placing top three in the state.”

LeMay said two recent losses to state-ranked competitors “make me what to work harder!” So what’s next? “I will see some of the same guys in the post season where I can get revenge.”

“Where you stand at the end of the year is what is most important,” emphasized Rossi. “The team has worked incredibly hard -- it is going to be an exciting month.”

Photo credits

Mollissa LeMay, Susan Hill, and JoAnn Vazquez.