Thanksgiving is over and Santa is at the mall, and that means that winter sports are about to start for at Watchung Hills Regional High School. As opening day approaches, we're taking a look at each of the teams as they ready for competition. Today, we take a look at the Warriors wrestling team.
OVERVIEW
The Warriors come into the season with some familiar faces and some new faces. With the exception of two slots where wrestlers are trying to make their weight, the team is solid from 106 pounds up to 170 pounds, with wrestlers capable of placing in the District tournament in each weight class.
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The team will open their season on Monday Dec. 5 with a home match against North Plainfield. The team’s complete schedule can be found here.
LAST SEASON'S RESULTS
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The team’s dual meet record was 11-8 with a very tough schedule and this year's schedule is no different with a number of perennial powerhouses on the schedule. As a team, the Warriors won the Middletown South tournament, placed third in both the Somerset Country and District tournaments and qualified for the State sectional tournament. The Warriors advanced seven wrestlers to the regional tournament and two to the State tournament.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Matt Copolla (jr) and Mike Magaldo (so) – These two returning varsity wrestlers both qualified for the State tournament last year and are looking to get to Atlantic City again this season.
Alex Murray – The freshman is a looking to make 126 pounds and make an impact for the Warriors.
Mike DiVito – The senior qualified for the District tournament last year at 140 pounds and is looking to advance.
THEY'LL MISS
Chris Gardener – 2011 District 12 champion at 145 pounds.
Greg Kaye – Advanced to the District 12 semi- finals at 152 pounds.
Dominic Urso - Advanced to the District 12 semi-finals at heavy weight 285 pounds.
COACH'S TAKE
“We have a really tough dual meet schedule this year, probably the toughest in my 16-years coaching here. Our record may not look as good because of that but it will really prepare the team come tournament time.” – head coach Dan Smith
THEY SAID IT
“Making Atlantic City was a great experience last year. I learned a lot being there and am looking forward to getting there this year” - Mike Magaldo
“Getting there [Atlantic City] makes you want to work even harder this year to get back. It’s a privilege to be there and once you’re there you realize how hard it is to get there.” - Matt Copolla
2011 WATCHUNG HILLS WRESTLING TEAM ROSTER
Name
Grade
Kyle Celeste
SR
Michael DiVito
SR
Alex Fornelos
SR
Joey Giardina
SR
Joey Heunenmund
SR
Avery Montasser
SR
Kyle Murray
SR
Matt Nielson
SR
Jack Young
SR
Charlie Burrows
JR
Mike Carroccia
JR
Matt Coppola
JR
Anthony DiRosa
JR
Trevor Filaramo
JR
Owen Gilligan
JR
Chase Kelly
JR
Michael Longo
JR
Madison Macola
JR
Anthony Rizzolo
JR
Mike Solis
JR
Christian Urgilez
JR
Robert Villa
JR
Ernesto Anazco
SO
Connor Bottone
SO
Michael Camp
SO
Anthony Carbajal
SO
Wade Caruso
SO
Jack Ciraulo
SO
Dylan Flynn
SO
Brandon Kaye
SO
Mike Magaldo
SO
David Mupo
SO
Danny Phillips
SO
Alex Pollera
SO
David Rodriguez
SO
Mike Schmidt
SO
Marcus Soos
SO
Avery Carrico
FR
Liam Gilligan
FR
Ben Gomes
FR
Kyle Mas
FR
Meyers Max
FR
Alex Murray
FR
Ben Rizzoli
FR
Michael Terpack
FR
Stephen Tyls
FR
Wilson Urgilez
FR
Ross Warlick
FR
