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Morristown High School Wrestling

Morristown Colonials Team Duals Results - 2007-08

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

MHS opened the dual meet season last night at Seton Hall Prep with a tough loss - a match that could have gone either way. 

Some bright spots from last night was the continual improvement of our underclassman and Juniors as well as the Junior Varsity team as Gordie Pierce, Brayan Hernandez, Kyle Goss, Mike Norton, Brian Wells and Diego Arenas all saw action and wrestled tough.

Danny G, Aaron V, Darren D, Brian S & Chris L all recorded falls for the Colonials.

Seton Hall Prep 42, Morristown 30

103- Lou Mascola     (SH)  pin.  Chris Navarro      3:01
112- Matt Berman     (SH)  dec.  Sam Bensley        6-2
119- Danny Gallego   (M)   pin.  Jamal Martin       1:12
125- Alex Kleban     (SH)  won by forfeit                  **
130- Chris Puorro    (SH)  pin.  Darren Rabinowitz  2:25
135- Dan Petrino     (SH)  dec.  J.P. Rowe         10-3
140- Aaron Velasquez (M)   pin.  Massimo DelSordi   2:54
145- Dan Coppola     (SH)  won by forfeit
152- Tyler Selby     (SH)  dec.  Raymond Dungee     5-0
160- Darren Dungee   (M)   pin.  Frank Sama         5:29
171- Joe Lombardo    (SH)  pin.  Pat Conway         4:09
189- Brian Shiels    (M)   pin.  Matt Bruno         3:02
215- Chris Lloyd     (M)   pin.  Tom Sliwowski      1:24
Hwt- Conor Sweeney   (SH)  dec.  Casey Flynn        5-4


Parsippany vs. Morristown - Thursday December 20, 2007

MHS wrestled their second dual meet of the season last night and fell to Parsippany in a match that was closer then the final score, 41 - 24.  Brayan H, Ray D, Pat C, Chris L & Casey F all won for the Colonials.

Parsippany 41 - Morristown 24
 
103: Phil Tomaro     (Parsippany)  d. Sam Bensley        (Morristown)   6-1
112: Sachin Persaud  (Parsippany)  p. Gordy Pierce       (Morristown)   4:49  **
119: Dave Standridge (Parsippany)  d. Danny Gallego      (Morristown)   8-0
125: Bryan Hernandez (Morristown)  p. John Merida        (Parsippany)    :47
130: Nick Kronka     (Parsippany)  p. Darren Rabinowitz  (Morristown)   1:43
135: Anthony Mariano (Parsippany)  d. Aaron Velasquez    (Parsippany)   6-2
140: Raymond Dungee  (Morristown)  d. Mauricio Barrantes (Parsippany)   7-5
145: Nick Bach       (Parsippany)  won by forfeit  
152: Anthony Pizzuta (Parsippany)  d. Darren Dungee      (Morristown)   4-0.
160: Pat Conway      (Morristown)  p. Rob Eckert         (Parsippany)   5:26
171: Matt Ciesienski (Parsippany)  d. Brian Shiels       (Morristown)   9-0
189: Chris Lloyd     (Morristown)  p. Matt Bagnoli       (Parsippany)   1:46
215: Casey Flynn     (Morristown)  d. Besar Mahmudi      (Parsippany)   8-1
HWT: Joe Serrao      (Parsippany)  won by forfeit
103: Phil Tomaro     (Parsippany)  d. Sam Bensley        (Morristown)   6-1


Hanover Park vs. Morristown - Friday, December 21, 2007

With a nice crowd this past Friday Morristown fought hard but managed to win only 5 bouts for the 3rd straight match in dropping a 40 - 24 loss to Hanover Park.  Once again if a few decisions go MHS's way instead of HP's - the outcome would be different.  Brayan Hernandez lost a heart breaker at the buzzer while Darren Rabinowitz came back strong after being down in his bout.  Under classmen Sam Bensley & Aaron Velasquez added victories while senior co-captains Chris Lloyd and Casey Flynn both helped the cause with falls.

Hanover Park 40 - Morristown 24

103- Sam Bensley       (M)   won by forfeit.
112- Nick Giordano     (HP)  pin.  Gordy Pierce      1:59
119- Jordan Toma       (HP)  maj.  Dan Gallego      15-6
125- Charles Savino    (HP)  dec.  Bryan Hernandez   7-5
130- Darren Rabinowitz (M)   dec.  Alphonse Scala    5-3
135- Aaron Velasquez   (M)   dec.  Mark Pompei       7-1
140- Rich Szymczak     (HP)  dec.  Ray Dungee        9-5     **
145- Chris Tracey      (HP)  won by forfeit
152- Jake Gruebert     (HP)  pin.  Darren Dungee     3:22
160- Mike Lomio        (HP)  dec.  Pat Conway        9-4
171- Eric Fralley      (HP)  dec.  Brian Shiels      8-5
189- Chris Lloyd       (M)   pin.  Art Pohorzelski   1:19
215- Casey Flynn       (M)   pin.  Anton Delvescova  3:15
Hwt- Doug Meringer     (HP)  won   by forfeit


Roxbury vs. Morristown - Wednesday January 09, 2008

Going up against the #1 team in Morris county last night, MHS had a tough going losing 54-12 to Roxbury.  Winning for the Colonials were senior co-captain Chris Lloyd, junior Ray Dungee and freshman Kyle Goss.  Raymond wrestled very well in defeating Dover & Kittatinny tournament champion John Madden 10-3.  Congrats to Kyle who won his 1st varsity match.

MHS gets back on the mat this Saturday in a Quad at Morris Knolls.

Roxbury 54, Morristown 12

140: Raymond Dungee   (Morristown) d.  John Madden       (Roxbury)    10-3
145: Kyle Goss        (Morristown) p.  Robert Pohida     (Roxbury)     3:03
152: Jim Gorman       (Roxbury)    d.  Pat Conway        (Morristown) 18-1 (TF 5:52)
160: Ryan Caparoni    (Roxbury)    won by forfeit
171: Will Larusso     (Roxbury)    p.  Brian Shiels      (Morristown)  3:36
189: Chris Lloyd      (Morristown) d.  Phil Ernst        (Roxbury)     4-0
215: Vince Mangiro    (Roxbury)    d.  Casey Flynn       (Morristown)  5-4
HWT: Shawn Cryan      (Roxbury)    p.  Matt Simmons      (Morristown)  1:04
103: Joe Mazza        (Roxbury)    d.  Sam Bensley       (Morristown)  9-1
112: Matt Parker      (Roxbury)    d.  Gordy Pierce      (Morristown) 18-2 (TF 5:25)
119: C.J. Caserta     (Roxbury)    d.  Danny Gallego     (Morristown)  3-2
125: Bryan Palanchi   (Roxbury)    won by forfeit
130: Demetri Rotsides (Roxbury)    p.  Darren Rabinowitz (Morristown)  1:51
135: Anthony Dattolo  (Roxbury)    d.  Aaron Velasquez   (Morristown) 15-3


Quad at Morris Knolls w/Jefferson & Lenape Valley - Saturday January 12, 2008

MHS traveled to Morris Knolls HS in Denville this past Saturday for a quad with Jefferson, Lenape Valley and the host school.  The Colonials first took on the home team Golden Eagles where the match came down to the final bout as MHS lost an exciting, close contest 40-30.  MHS won 6 bouts but just gave up too many bonus points.

The Colonials won 6 bouts once again in the 2nd match with Jefferson - one of the top teams in Morris County - in a 42-25 loss.  Chris Lloyd decisioned Trevor Salvatore, the area's top 171 pounder 4-2 in overtime in a key bout of the match. 

MHS ended the afternoon by capturing 5 bouts in a 45-21 loss to always tough Lenape Valley.  Chris Lloyd came out on top one more time against a ranked opponent in a 4-2 win over Vin Campanile.  Ray Dungee continued wrestling well by majoring Dover Holiday Tourney champ Kyle Dellamo 12-1.  Senior co-captain Casey Flynn had 3 falls on the day.  Chris, Ray, Brayan Hernandez, Aaron Velasquez & Casey Flynn all won their 3 bouts while Sam Bensley and Darren Dungee also got 'W's.

To give a little perspective on how tough wrestling is in the Morris County and surrounding Sussex area and how on any given day...  Lenape Valley beat perennial state power and top 20 team Kittatinny 31-29 Wednesday.  Right after MHS took Morris Knolls to the last bout to decide the match, Lenape Valley battled Morris Knolls to a 36-36 tie after all 14 bouts were wrestled and then won on the 3rd tie-breaker criteria -  most 6-point wins.  MHS did an admirable job considering the lineup has 5 freshmen starting.

Morris Knolls 40 - Morristown 30

103: Sam Bensley     (Morristown)  d.  Connor Ebersole   (Morris K)     5-2
112: Adam Ramadan    (Morris K)    p.  Gordy Pierce      (Morristown)   5:10
119: David Arbelaez  (Morris K)    d.  Danny Gallego     (Morristown)  12-5
125: Bryan Hernandez (Morristown)  d.  Russ Ebersole     (Morris K)     4-1
130: Kevin Weiss     (Morris K)    won by forfeit
135: Anthony Cacella (Morris K)    p.  Darren Rabinowitz (Morristown)   3:08
140: Aaron Velasquez (Morristown)  p.  Padric Hartnett   (Morris K)      :38       **
145: Raymond Dungee  (Morristown)  p.  Shep Warriner     (Morris K)     3:36
152: Vinny DeRosa    (Morris K)    p.  Darren Dungee     (Morristown)   3:08
160: John Cordasco   (Morris K)    d.  Pat Conway        (Morristown)   7-3
171: Tom Camel       (Morris K)    d.  Brian Shiels      (Morristown)  15-3
189: Chris Lloyd     (Morristown)  p.  Luke Homeijer     (Morris K)      :47
215: Casey Flynn     (Morristown)  p.  Jake Homeijer     (Morris K)     1:32
HWT: Josh Cook       (Morris K)    p.  Matt Simmons      (Morristown)   3:08

Jefferson 42 - Morristown 25

103- Pat Healy          (J)  pin.  Sam Bensley       (M)   1:19
112- Brandon Coveney    (J)  pin.  Gordy Pierce      (M)   2:22
119- Mike Monarque      (J)  dec.  Dan Gallego       (M)   9-8
125- Bryan Hernandez    (M)  pin.  Sam Peters        (J)   5:24
130- Derek Berta        (J)  maj.  Darren Rabinowitz (M)  12-3
135- Aaron Velasquez    (M)  dec.  Kyle Moran        (J)   7-2
140- Ray Dungee         (M)  dec.  Anthony Vasile    (J)   6-4      **
145- Kyle Castelonia    (J)  pin.  Kyle Goss         (M)   3:00
152- Darren Dungee      (M)  maj.  John Knott        (J)  20-7
160- Matt Dallicardillo (J)  pin.  Pat Conway        (M)   3:34
171- Mike Monteverdi    (J)  tech. Brian Shiels      (M)  15-0
189- Chris Lloyd        (M)  dec.  Trevor Salvatore  (J)   4-2
215- Casey Flynn        (M)  pin.  Brian Cary        (J)   5:48
Hwt- Mike Robertson     (J)  won by forfeit

Lenape Valley 45 - Morristown 21

103- Billy Hagany       (L)  pin.  Sam Bensley       (M)
112- Chris Benvenuto    (L)  pin.  Gordy Pierce      (M)
119- Nick D'Onofrio     (L)  dec.  Dan Gallego       (M)  8-7
125- Bryan Hernandez    (M)  pin.  Andrew DiRenzo    (L)
130- Chuck Spinella     (L)  dec.  Darren Rabinowitz (M) 15-12
135- Aaron Velasquez    (M)  dec.  Mark Michaud      (L)  6-2
140- Ray Dungee         (M)  maj.  Kyle Dellamo      (L) 12-1
145- Mike Labell        (L)  pin.  Kyle Goss         (M)
152- Chuck Ross         (L)  dec.  Darren Dungee     (M)  4-3      **
160- Aaron Piemontesi   (L)  pin.  Pat Conway        (M)
171- Vin Migliorino     (L)  dec.  Brian Shiels      (M)  6-0
189- Chris Lloyd        (M)  dec.  Vin Campanile     (L)  4-2
215- Casey Flynn        (M)  pin.  Eddie Koster      (L)
Hwt- Rich Salmon        (L)  dec.  Matt Simmons      (M)  6-0


Randolph vs. Morristown - Wednesday January 16, 2008

Last night's first match again pitted another area ranked wrestler vs. 189 pounder Chris Lloyd.  His opponent was the Daily Record areas 4th ranked wrestler at 189 - Kyle Tufts from Randolph.  After a 2-2 tie score in the first period they both went crashing out of bounds on an escape attempt by Tufts.  Unfortunately Chris did not get up as he re-injured his ankle and was forced to default due to injury.  Best wishes for a quick recovery for Chris.

With Chris' injury looming large and taking the proverbial wind out of the Colonials' sails, MHS would only manage to win 4 bouts on the night.  Brayan Hernandez, Aaron Velasquez, Ray Dungee & Casey Flynn all had falls for the Colonials - it was Casey's 4th in a row.

BTW - Great job by Chris Navarro, Gordy Piece, Mike Norton and J.P.  Rowe who all wrestled in Junior Varsity Matches.  Junior Varsity wrestlers seldom get any glory - if at all - but they are the backbone of any good HS Program and the future varsity team.  For a great perspective on this subject, Star Ledger beat writer Bob Behre weighs in on the matter:

http://blog.nj.com/hswrestling/2008/01/la_famiglia_de_lotta.html

Randolph 57 - Morristown 24

103: Anthony Botro   (Randolph)    p.   Sam Bensley       (Morristown)   :41 
112: Brian Wrede     (Randolph)    won by forfeit
119: Kevin Collins   (Randolph)    p.   Danny Gallego     (Morristown)  3:36
125: Bryan Hernandez (Morristown)  p.   Eric Calinano     (Randolph)     :44
130: Steve Vitale    (Randolph)    p.   Darren Rabinowitz (Morristown)  3:20
135: Aaron Velasquez (Morristown)  p.   Rob Smith         (Randolph)    4:44
140: Raymond Dungee  (Morristown)  p.   A.J. Barros       (Randolph)     :57
145: Sean Collins    (Randolph)    p.   Kyle Goss         (Morristown)   :57
152: Jon Matos       (Randolph)    d.   Darren Dungee     (Morristown)  4-0
160: Darren Cimbol   (Randolph)    p.   Pat Conway        (Morristown)  1:09
171: Kevin Hantke    (Randolph)    won by forfeit.
189: Kyle Tufts      (Randolph)    inj. Chris Lloyd       (Morristown)       **
215: Casey Flynn     (Morristown)  p.   Nick Gangemi      (Randolph)    1:54
HWT: Peter Wallmart  (Randolph)    p.   Matt Simmons      (Morristown)  1:14


MHS vs. Delbarton - Thurs Jan 17, 2008

MHS visited nearby Delbarton last Thursday and split the 10 bouts contested but could not overcome the 4 forfeits they were giving up.  With 3 starters out, it was going to be a very tough hill to climb.  Casey Flynn lost a heartbreaker in OT to Bob Grogan 4-2 - Casey will no doubt get another chance to avenge the loss in the County or District tourneys.  Freshman Brayan Hernandez, Darren Rabinowitz and Darren Dungee posted victories - congrats to D Dungee as he defeated the Newark Academy tournament 152 pound runner-up Dean Sullivan 5-3.  Aaron Velasquez and Pat Conway had falls.

Delbarton 45 - Morristown 24                             

103- Matt Albano       (Delbarton)  pin.  Sam Bensley      (Morristown)  3:39 
112- Jeff Canfora      (Delbarton)  won by forfeit
119- Erik Gobbo        (Delbarton)  dec.  Danny Gallego    (Morristown)  4-0
125- Brayan Hernandez  (Morristown) pin.  Blaze Feury      (Delbarton)   3:08
130- Darren Rabinowitz (Morristown) dec.  Francis D'Alia   (Delbarton)  10-3      **
135- Aaron Velasquez   (Morristown) pin.  Nick Luzarraga   (Delbarton)   1:31
140- Charlie Patten    (Delbarton)  dec.  Raymond Dungee   (Morristown)  8-3
145- Jeremy Liebler    (Delbarton)  pin.  Kyle Goss        (Morristown)  3:24
152- Pat Conway        (Morristown) pin.  Deron Wheeler    (Delbarton)   1:18
160- Darren Dungee     (Morristown) dec.  Dean Sullivan    (Delbarton)   5-3
171- Brad Johnson      (Delbarton)  won by forfeit
189- Derrick Flitcroft (Delbarton)  won by forfeit
215- Bob Grogan        (Delbarton)  dec.  Casey Flynn      (Morristown)  4-3 OT
Hwt- Ian Edelson       (Delbarton)  won by forfeit


MHS vs. Columbia - Sat Jan 19, 2008

The Colonials defeated Columbia HS in Maplewood 42 - 27 this past Saturday as MHS won seven bouts along with a forfeit victory.  With three starters nursing injuries (Brain Shiels, Chris Lloyd & Matt Simmons) MHS had to garner bonus team points and not give up any to offset the 3 forfeits - and that is exactly what they did.  Sam Bensley was in a tight  see-saw match before losing a tough decision 9-6.  Gordy Pierce just fell short in a 1-point loss 4-3.  Kyle Goss came back from behind to nullify a major* decision at 145 in giving up only 3 team points.  These 3 matches - although all losses - were key to the MHS victory.  MHS won 7 of the 10 bouts contested in not giving up a single bonus point, while Danny Gallego, Aaron Velasquez, Ray Dungee, Pat Conway and Casey Flynn all had falls.  Brayan Hernandez, Darren Rabinowitz and Darren Dungee also won their matches.

Morristown 42 - Columbia 27                          

103- Andrew Adams      (Columbia)   dec.  Sam Bensley      (Morristown)  9-6
112- Nathan Kennan     (Columbia)   dec.  Gordy Pierce     (Morristown)  4-3
119- Dan Gallego       (Morristown) pin.  Steve Goldenberg (Columbia)    4:34
125- Brayan Hernandez  (Morristown) dec.  Chris Nevers     (Columbia)    4-1
130- Darren Rabinowitz (Morristown) won by forfeit
135- Aaron Velasquez   (Morristown) pin.  Terrance Newby   (Columbia)    3:08
140- Ray Dungee        (Morristown) pin.  Eric Rojer       (Columbia)    3:36
145- James Etienne     (Columbia)   dec.  Kyle Goss        (Motumbia)   15-8
152- Pat Conway        (Morristown) pin.  Francis Eluwa    (Columbia)    1:38
160- Darren Dungee     (Morristown) dec.  Josh Hopkins     (Columbia)    4-0
171- Joe Sackett       (Columbia)   won by forfeit
189- Shawn Prince      (Columbia)   won by forfeit
215- Casey Flynn       (Morristown) pin.  Eric Shabazz     (Columbia)    2:57
Hwt- Francoise Emigene (Columbia)   won by forfeit                               **


MHS vs. Mount Olive - Wednesday, January 23, 2008

The Colonials wrestled the Marauders of Mount Olive at home last night winning 5 bouts in a 46-24 loss.  Freshman Gordy Pierce fought hard in  losing a second straight dual by only one point 2-1 (before the end of the season he will be turning these one point losses into victories!).  Winning for MHS were Brayan Hernandez, Aaron Velasquez, Ray & Darren Dungee and Casey Flynn.  Freshman Brayan H. & Sophomore Aaron V. each won their 7th match in a row, while Junior Ray D. has won 6 out of his last 7 matches.  Senior Casey F. leads the team with 7 dual meet falls.  Great job by Chris Navarro, J.P. Rowe, Mike Norton and Brian Wells wrestling for the Junior Varsity.

MHS is looking forward to the return of starters Brian Shiels (171) and Chris Lloyd (189) who are nursing injuries and could be back as early as next week.  Also mending... Injured Senior Matt Simmons (285) return is uncertain at this time.

Kinnelon visits Morristown tonight with Junior Varsity starting at 6 PM - see you all there.

Mount Olive 46 - Morristown 24 

103- Pete Smith        (Mt Olive)    tech.  Sam Bensley       (Morristown) 18-3 (5:16)      **
112- Nick Mauro        (Mt Olive)    dec.   Gordie Pierce     (Morristown)  2-1
119- Andre Gallo       (Mt Olive)    maj.   Dan Gallego       (Morristown) 13-2
125- Brayan Hernandez  (Morristown)  pin.   Joey Growinski    (Mt Olive)    1:01
130- Ned Ryan          (Mt Olive)    maj.   Darren Rabinowitz (Morristown) 12-4
135- Aaron Velasquez   (Morristown)  dec.   Mike Jallad       (Mt Olive)    4-0
140- Ray Dungee        (Morristown)  pin.   Rich Sanchez      (Mt Olive)    2:29
145- Mike Amada        (Mt Olive)    pin.   Kyle Goss         (Morristown)  1:52
152- Erik Cuellar      (Mt Olive)    pin.   Pat Conway        (Morristown)  3:52
160- Bronson Offerding (Mt Olive)    won by forfeit           (Morristown)
171- Darren Dungee     (Morristown)  dec.   Seth Brittle      (Mt Olive)    9-2
189- Dan Alexander     (Mt Olive)    won by forfeit           (Morristown)
215- Casey Flynn       (Morristown)  pin.   Aaron Gold        (Mt Olive)    4:48
Hwt- Kyle Hopler       (Mt Olive)    won by forfeit           (Morristown)


Morristown 40, Kinnelon 37 - Thursday January 24, 2008

"...while there are certain matchups on paper that may be predictable, paper doesn't go out and wrestle."

- Former U of Penn coach Roger Reina


Coach Reina's words never rang so true like they did last night as the MHS Colonials proved to be rude hosts and sent the then 12-4 Kinnelon Mustangs home with their 5th loss of the year, 40-37.  It was an exciting night for the MHS faithful and certainly for the wrestlers as their hard work, grueling Iron Hills schedule and a little belief prepared them for this "upset". 

The match started at 112 pounds with Kinnelon giving up a forfeit to Gordy Pierce.  Junior Danny Gallego then faced off with junior Clint Donnelly, a reigning District 4 champion.  Although Danny lost a major decision to Donnelly, he took him down twice almost putting him to his back both times.  This proved to be an omen of things to come for Kinnelon as the Colonials would begin a stirring run of victories over the next 4 weights.  The first one at 125 was one of the "paper match up" wins that Kinnelon no doubt had penciled in - but Freshman Brayan Hernandez had other plans as he continued his winning streak by pinning Evin Feliciano, a junior who took 4th in the Morris County Tournament last year.  This was a huge turn of events as Kinnelon was probably expecting, at the very least 3 team points and certainly not giving up 6 - a huge 9 point swing in MHS' favor.  Next up was Darren Rabinowitz at 130 and another freshman in a possible toss-up match, but again Kinnelon was probably not expecting to give up 6 - which is exactly what happened as Darren stepped up and pinned his opponent late in the 3rd period.  This was another huge pin as the score was now 18 - 4 MHS - and with Aaron and Raymond warming up everyone was getting pumped.  At this particular moment there were definitely some fans in the stands (as well as coaches on the bench) doing quick calculations and realizing that MHS could actually pull this out!   Aaron went out and got the 6 points MHS needed with his 10th fall of the season - score now 24-4, MHS.  Raymond totally dominated at 140 and recorded a technical fall - score now 29-4 MHS, and total silence in the Kinnelon stands! 

With the Colonials still giving up two forfeits at 189 and 285 due to injuries - the questions on everyone’s minds was, was our lead big enough and could we get at least one more win in the remaining weights?   Kinnelon was forfeiting at 103 but that still would not secure an MHS victory without some other guys stepping up.  Freshman Kyle Goss drew another tough task and gave another valiant effort going up against senior Nick Maroldi - a region qualifier and Morris County 4th place finisher in 2007.  Maroldi got the fall to make it 29-10 MHS.  Pat Conway was next at 152 and did "step up" displaying his sweet "Hi-C" over and over as he won by technical fall - score now 34-10, MHS! 

Freshman Brain Wells made his varsity debut at 160 going up against a tough senior in Tim Kennedy who got a 1st period fall - score now 34-16, MHS.  Freshman Darren Dungee stepped up for the team and wrestled up two weight classes at 171 against senior Mike Osenni a 2007 region 1 qualifier.  Osseni also got a 1st period fall - score now 34-22, MHS.  MHS forfeited at 189 - score now 34-28, MHS. 

With each team giving up a remaining forfeit the match would be decided at 215 pounds where all senior co-captain Casey Flynn would have to do was to not give up a fall to one of Morris County's best in senior Billy Haug.  Casey went out with only thing on his mind - to win.  In another exciting nail-biter that went into 4 overtime periods, Casey came out on the short end 5-4, but proved he is also one of Morris County's best 215 pounders (as a consolation it may be better to have these 1-point OT losses now rather than later in the counties or districts where Casey can turn these into wins).  Score now 34-31, MHS and after each side traded forfeits the ref held Sam Bensley's hand high signaling victory.  The final score: 40-37 MHS.

Congrats to the MHS Colonial wrestlers and coaching staff on a well earned victory in a total team effort where in a 3 point victory, every bonus point you get or do not give up is huge! 

Something to ponder for the future... last night's lineup was without 3 starters - 171 pound junior Brian Shiels, 189 pound senior and NJ state qualifier Chris Lloyd and 285 senior Matt Simmons.  Those who took the mat last night - 1 senior, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores and 6 freshman.  Great job fellas!

MHS travels to Livingston Saturday afternoon - see you all there.

Morristown 40, Kinnelon 37 - Thursday January 24

112: Gordy Pierce      (Mo-town)   won by forfeit         (Kinnelon)                  
119: Clint Donnelly    (Kinnelon)  maj.  Danny Gallego    (Mo-town)  17-6          
125: Bryan Hernandez   (Mo-town)   pin.  Evin Feliciano   (Kinnelon)  3:54         
130: Darren Rabinowitz (Mo-town)   pin.  Nick Brown       (Kinnelon)  5:33         
135: Aaron Velasquez   (Mo-town)   pin.  Cary Feliciano   (Kinnelon)  1:29         
140: Raymond Dungee    (Mo-town)   TF    Taylor Jannarone (Kinnelon) 16-1 (TF 4:42)
145: Nick Maroldi      (Kinnelon)  pin.  Kyle Goss        (Mo-town)   1:11         
152: Pat Conway        (Mo-town)   TF    Nick Santaniello (Kinnelon) 18-2 (TF 4:47)
160: Tim Kennedy       (Kinnelon)  pin.  Brian Wells      (Mo-town)    :43         
171: Mike Osenni       (Kinnelon)  pin.  Darren Dungee    (Mo-town)   1:21         
189: Nick Locarno      (Kinnelon)  won by forfeit.        (Mo-town)                
215: Billy Haug        (Kinnelon)  dec.  Casey Flynn      (Mo-town)   5-4 3OT      
HWT: Mark Lerner       (Kinnelon)  won by forfeit         (Mo-town)                
103: Sam Bensley       (Mor-town)  won by forfeit         (Kinnelon)                


After the exciting Kinnelon win...

As is sometimes the case with a lot of young teams - there can be a let down after a big win.  A team can look "flat" and somewhat listless  the next time out.  Whether or not there is validity to this premise, the young MHS team certainly looked that way against Livingston last  Saturday in a tough 58-12 loss.  Senior co-captain Casey Flynn (fall) and Danny Gallego (forfeit) were the only victors as MHS was again  without the services of Brian Shiels (171), Chris Lloyd (189) and Matt Simmons (285).  As an FYI: Livingston (14-6) is the top team in  Essex County and only lost to NJ #16 ranked Randolph by a single point. 

West Morris 49, Morristown 21 - Tuesday January 29, 2008

Casey Flynn chalked up a fall bumping up to 285, but MHS suffered another tough loss to West Morris 49-21.  Mo-Town lost all the toss-up  bouts and surrendered too many bonus points.  Along with Casey, Also winning for the Colonials were Danny Gallego, Aaron Velasquez and  Brian Shiels.  Sam Bensley and Darren Rabinowitz both wrestled well in their 2-point losses - they can turn these into 'W's by the time  Districts roll around.  Danny G came out with the same aggressiveness at match time that he displays in practice and the results were a 2nd  period fall - great job!  Aaron worked hard for his 8-1 win and just fell short of a major victory.  Brian marked his return to action with  a 3rd period fall - welcome back! 

A word about a "different perspective" from a true wrestling fan...

Everyone knows how frustrating it is to lose and all the factors involved like, injuries, forfeits, 5 & 6 freshman starting in a tough league and county, etc., etc.  Well... Last night a friend of ours came to MHS to watch the match, as he is a long time fan.  My wife Ann went to high school with this gentleman's son (the son is now a "Trainer" at Rowan U and can be seen taking care of the guys at the NJSIAA tourney in AC this March and was actually working this past Sunday at the All-Star meet in Brick Memorial).  We met "Chic" at the USA/Russia Freestyle & Greco event that took place at West Orange HS this past November.  He just happened to be sitting right in front of us in the packed gym and we struck up a conversation.  His son wrestled for Westfield HS back when they were a powerhouse and his grandson just graduated from Kingsway HS as a standout wrestler.  Kingsway was the NJ state Group III champions last year finally beating their nemesis Ocean Twp in the finals.  Chic knows a thing or two about the growing pains a wrestling program can go through.  At the completion of last night's loss to West Morris there was not too much to be "cheery" about - but then I listened as Chic started talking about the Colonials.  He was excited about MHS' future with 5 or 6 freshmen starting - sure they were taking some lumps now but they will only get better as will the team.  Every word coming out of his mouth was positive.  We have a great recreation program with more kids moving up to MHS.  In short, Chic reminded me of the big picture...  Thanks Chic

...a lot more to do this season for all - especially the seniors...

West Morris 49, Morristown 21 - Tuesday January 29, 2008

215: Adam Hodge      (West Morris)  won by forfeit
HWT: Casey Flynn     (Morristown)   pin.  Gerardo Antoniello (West Morris)   1:09
103: Dave Cholish    (West Morris)  dec.  Sam Bensley        (Morristown)    3-1
112: Aron Sabino     (West Morris)  maj.  Gordy Pierce       (Morristown)   11-0
119: Danny Gallego   (Morristown)   pin.  Joe Sweeney        (West Morris)   2:49
125: Mark Fleming    (West Morris)  pin.  Bryan Hernandez    (Morristown)    1:46
130: Gary Nevolis    (West Morris)  dec.  Darren Rabinowitz  (Morristown)    5-3
135: Aaron Velasquez (Morristown)   dec.  Zach Shultis       (West Morris)   8-1
140: C.J. Carcuffe   (West Morris)  pin.  Raymond Dungee     (Morristown)    1:16
145: Justin Adickes  (West Morris)  dec.  Kyle Goss          (Morristown)    4-2
152: Herbie Skinner  (West Morris)  pin.  Pat Conway         (Morristown)    1:25
160: Rich Butkus     (West Morris)  pin.  Darren Dungee      (Morristown)    1:10
171: Brian Shiels    (Morristown)   pin.  Chris Hill         (West Morris)   4:40
189: Sal CarFaro     (West Morris)  won by forfeit  


2008 Morris County Tournament - February 1st & 2nd 2008 at Roxbury HS

This past weekend the Colonials had 2 finalists at the Morris County Tournament for the first in recent memory.  Fittingly, they were senior co-captains 189 pounder Chris Lloyd and 215 pounder Casey Flynn who both took 2nd place in one of the toughest county tourneys in the state.  Both had great tournaments as Chris stormed his way to the finals with 3 straight falls as the top seed, while Casey had a tougher road from the 7th seed position and also having to reverse losses to two different opponents earlier in the season.  Congratulations to Chris & Casey! 

Sophomore Aaron Velasquez was the only other MHS wrestler to make it to Saturday's quarterfinal round after winning 5-0 in the pre-quarters on Friday.  He lost a heartbreaking match in overtime to Randolph's Rob Smith who wound up taking 3rd place at 135.  Juniors Danny Gallego and Ray Dungee both won preliminary round bouts before losing in the pre-quarters Friday night.  Freshman Sam Bensley, Darren Rabinowitz, Kyle Goss and Darren Dungee all fell in the preliminary round as did juniors Pat Conway and Brian Shiels.  Freshman Brayan Hernandez also fell in the pre-quarters

Many thanks to wrestlers and fans who came out to support MHS Friday and especially Saturday for the Colonials still wrestling.