Morris County has long been a hotbed for wrestling talent, and recent events continue to underscore this reputation. From team dynasties to individual milestones, the area boasts a rich history and a promising future in the sport.
Team Triumphs
Delbarton's Unprecedented Streak
Delbarton has maintained its stronghold in Morris County, winning an unprecedented 10th-straight team title behind seven individual champions. The Green Wave, who were represented in 10 of the 14 weight-class finals, finished with a team-high 316 points, outdistancing runner-up West Morris (168.5) and third place Hanover Park (155.5).
Mount Olive's Remarkable Year
Mount Olive fell short of winning the sectional title to Phillipsburg, but what a year it was for coach Sean Smyth’s Marauders, who sent a New Jersey public-school state-high 10 wrestlers to Boardwalk Hall and 13 wrestlers to the region while winning their seventh straight district title.
Mendham's Turnaround
Steve Baig of Mendham guided the Minutemen from a 3-24 season last year to 14-8 this year. They qualified for the sectionals, took eighth at the MCT (15th last year), placed third in the district (seventh last year), sent five wrestlers to the region (two last year) and two to the states (one last year). The Minutemen also beat seven teams that beat them last year.
Individual Achievements
Alessio Perentin's Historic Feat
Alessio Perentin of Delbarton won his third straight state title and became just the third wrestler in the school’s illustrious history to have won that many. Mike Grey was the first in New Jersey to win four. Anthony Clark won three. Stellar Green Wave greats over the years such as Antonio Mangione and Simon Ruiz won “only” two.
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Dominance in the Finals
A year after winning his MCT title at 106 pounds as a freshman, defending NJSIAA champion Anthony Clark of Delbarton earned his second straight crown with a 3-1 decision over Michael Caso of West Morris at 113. Senior teammates Pat Glory (126) and Travis Tavoso (145) also repeated.
Glory, who won his first NJSIAA title last March at 120 pounds, claimed his fourth MCT title when he pinned two-time champion Dom DiFrancescantonio of Hanover Park in 1:40. Glory was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.
“It’s always great to come out here and participate in this tournament,” said Glory, a Randolph resident who plans to attend Princeton in the fall. “A lot of great wrestlers have come through this tournament and I’m blessed to be a part of a great tradition like this and to be among some of the great wrestlers who have won four county championships. It’s very humbling.”
Liridon Leka's Milestone
In a rematch of last year's 220-pound final, Montville senior Liridon Leka won his 100th career match with a 5-3 decision against Trey Zgombic of Delbarton. “This is a great feeling. I have chills all down my body just thinking about the win and my 100th career victory,” Leka said. “It’s a milestone for my family and it means a lot to have my family name up on the school wall forever.”
First-Time Champions
Besides Davidson, other first-time winners were Delbarton’s Alex Strashinsky (120), Vincent Andreano (152), Kieran Calvetti (160) and Cole Kreshpane (182), freshman Joey Olivieri (106) and junior Nick Raimo (132) of Hanover Park, Mendham sophomore Gage Armijo (195), Dan Fongaro (138) of Boonton and West Morris senior Marco Gaita (170).
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Olivieri, the top seed, edged Nico Nardone of Delbarton, 3-1, in a battle of two of New Jersey's top freshmen. Raimo, the reigning NJSIAA champion who has verbally committed to Arizona, scored a 21-8 major decision over Sebastian Cornejo of Morris Catholic after missing the previous two MCT with injuries.
Gaita's Thrilling Victory
The highlight match of the night was between Gaita and A.J. Lonski of Delbarton at 170 pounds. Trailing 3-1 heading into the second period, Gaita escaped to pull within one at 3-2 before taking down Lonski with 15 seconds left in regulation to pull out a 4-3 victory.
“I had a lot of close takedown near the edge and I believe the last one was a takedown,” said Gaita. “I think the crowd thought the same way. “I felt good going into this match. I took third last year and it feels great to win it.”
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The Judo Connection
Jayvon Davidson believes he has a unique advantage over other competitors in his weight class, and it has nothing to do with wrestling. Though the Mount Olive junior heavyweight has only been wrestling since freshman year, he attributes his rapid rise to the top and success to another physical and mental sport.
“I did judo for a few years before taking up wrestling and I feel like that gives me an advantage,” Davidson said. “I’ve only been wrestling for three years and it comes somewhat naturally to me because of judo. I’ve been able to incorporate the two sports. All I had to do was learn the rules of wrestling and how to score.”
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Davidson was one of 10 first-time Morris County Tournament champions crowned Saturday at Mount Olive. Davidson stormed his way to his first county title when he earned a 7-2 victory over Wade Drugac of Morris Knolls.
“This win is a big boost for me," Davidson said. "It feels great to get it done in front of my home crowd.”
Hall of Fame Induction
Former Jefferson athletic director and MCT director John DiColo was inducted into the Morris County Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame prior to Saturday's final round.
DiColo, whose career spanned more than 40 years, was introduced by his son Eric DiColo, who is in his third season as the Kinnelon wrestling coach.