GL Wrestling Team Powers Past Cranford 54-18

Any wrestling fan in Union County knows that going into the Cougars den at the Cranford High School gymnasium is one of the toughest things to do. 

First, there's the atmosphere -- with all the lights turned off except for a spotlight overhead that covers just enough mat for the grapplers to see each other.

Oh, and of course, there's the Cougar wrestlers, featuring 100-win performer Joe Giaccio and a well-coached group of athletes who don't like to lose.

But last night, Gov. Livingston's talented team of wrestlers walked into the "den" and made it their home -- overpowering their opponent with a smashing 54-18 triumph. The team win moves the Highlanders to 8-1 in duel-meets this season.

"We're wrestling very well right now,' said senior Joe Hoy. We're putting it all together every time we go out on the mat. It's been great."

The action started at 189, with Zach Heissler earning the pinfall in 2:19. Matt O'Sullivan then followed with a sharp showing at 215, nailing the pin in 2:58.

At heavyweight Tony Maganiello pinned Ryan Farrell in just 53 seconds, while Jon Mele was outstanding at 103, earning the quickest pin of the night in 27 seconds over Ryan Espuga. Ryne Morrison had it tougher at 112, but posted his own impressive score by defeating the technically sound Michael Helmstetter 6-5.

At 119, senior Anthony DeFranco improved to 10-4 with another strong showing, rolling to a 13-0 victory over Corey Birch.

"This was probably my best performance of the season," said DeFranco. "the entire team is doing well. This is what we've been working for."

After Cranford won the next two matches, two former Patch Athletes of the Week stepped up to turn the momentum back in their favor. Mike Stepien came right back with a pin in 3:45 against Kyle Markovitch, before Joe Hoy pinned Eric Knight in 47 seconds to continue his stellar season.

"We just keep getting better with each match," said Hoy. It's never easy coming into this gym, but we were determined to get the win tonight."

Brian Sobol won at 152 with a 12-0 decision of Jimmy Dwyer, before Pat Eichner earned one of the most impressive wins of the night, defeating J.P. Christiano 2-1 in sudden victory in the 160-pound class.

Shane Haddad wrapped things up at 171 with a 14-0 decision over Corey Markovitch, which wrapped up a sensational night and kept the Highlanders unbeaten.

"This team is doing everything that's been asked of them," said head coach Rick Iacono. "I'm very proud of what they've accomplished so far. they continue to work hard and that's all I can ask of them. they're a great group to be around."
GL will have a chance to stretch their unbeaten streak against New Providence tonight at 7:00 p.m. The Highlanders look to make their mark in the Union County Tournament which is set for Saturday at Union High School.