Yildiz, Pagano Win Regional Titles for Vikings

Two South Brunswick High School wrestlers will be moving on to the state championships in Atlantic City.

Ali Yildiz walked into the Region V tournament with an undefeated record and a top five state ranking at 182 pounds. Yildiz was pushed to the limit, but outlasted Isaiah Soto of Bound Brook with a 4-3 overtime victory in the finals.

Senior 152-pounder Jordan Pagano came up just short of a title at districts last weekend with a third-place finish, but would not be denied on Saturday. Pagano defeated of Josh Ugalde of Bound Brook 3-1 in overtime to capture a Region V Championship. 

Senior Constantine Rissiotis, who won a title at districts, barely missed a trip to Atlantic City for states after finishing in fourth place in Region V, capping an excellent season with over 30 wins.

Freshman Mikey Klimkiewicz and junior Jesse Tainow, who both earned third place finishes at districts, also came up short at regionals but offer SBHS wrestling a bright future in 2014 and beyond.

Congratulations to all the Vikings on a great season and good luck to Yildiz and Pagano at the State Championships.