2018 Record: 27-3 / Shore Conference: 14-1 / A-Central: 5-1
#12 NJWWA Final Top 20
#4 Shore Conference Top 11
District 20 Champions
Group 2 Finalists
CJG2 State Sectional Champions
4th Place Shore Conference Tournament
2nd Place A-Central
Hawk Classic Champions
Kurt Meister Invitational Champions
ShoreConferenceWrestling.com Wrestler Of The Year
(Sr) Russell Benson - Raritan
Weight: 132 / 2018 Record: 41-4
1st Place Region 5 (2-time Champion / 3-time Medal Winner)
1st Place District 20 (3-time Champion / 4-time Medal Winner)
2nd Place Shore Conference Tournament
1st Place Hawk Classic (3-time Champion / 4-time Medal Winner)
1st Place Kurt Meister Invitational
Finishes career 2nd on all-time wins list at Raritan with 140
| Wgt |
Wrestler |
Record |
Tournaments |
| 106 |
(Jr) Aidan Dennehy | 7-17 | |
| 106 |
(Fr) Jordan Rafalko | 3-12 | |
| 113 |
(Sr) Robert Taddeo | 24-17 | 1st KMI / 2nd Hawk / 1st D20 |
| 113 |
|||
| 120 |
(So) Mike Lonnay | 21-17 | 3rd Hawk / 3rd D20 |
| 120 |
(Fr) Matt Vargas | 1-4 | |
| 126 |
(Jr) Cameron Rafalko | 13-20 | 3rd KMI |
| 126 |
|||
| 132 |
(Sr) Russell Benson | 41-4 | 1st KMI / 1st Hawk / 2nd SCT / 1st D20 / 1st R5 |
| 132 |
(So) Vin Mangano | 6-4 | |
| 138 |
(Sr) AJ Erven | 32-10 | 1st KMI / 1st Hawk / 1st D20 / 2nd R5 |
| 138 |
(Fr) Jack Yennella | 2-1 | |
| 145 |
(Sr) Christian Sookdeo | 31-11 | 3rd Hawk / 1st D20 |
| 152 |
(Sr) Andrew Bohal | 8-3 | |
| 152 |
(Sr) Nick Polaco | 11-8 | 1st Hawk |
| 152 |
(So) Anthony Bailey | 1-3 | |
| 160 |
(Jr) Anthony Aquilano | 34-10 | 1st KMI / 1st Hawk / 2nd SCT / 1st D20 / 4th R5 |
| 160 |
(Jr) James Ecklyn | 15-8 | 2nd KMI / 2nd Hawk / 3rd D20 |
| 170 |
(Sr) Dylan Lonnay | 24-12 | 1st Hawk / 2nd D20 |
| 170 |
|||
| 182 |
(Jr) George Burdick | 41-7 | 2nd KMI / 1st Hawk / 3rd SCT / 3rd D20 / 3rd R5 |
| 182 |
(Jr) Charles Barrale | 5-6 | |
| 195 |
(Jr) Justin Acevedo | 32-12 | 3rd KMI / 3rd Hawk / 3rd D20 / 2nd R5 |
| 195 |
|||
| 220 |
(Sr) Ethan Wolf | 41-4 | 1st KMI / 1st Hawk / 3rd SCT / 1st D20 / 1st R5 |
| 220 |
(So) Kevin Lind | 2-0 | |
| Hwt |
(Jr) Matt Spirko | 27-9 | 3rd Place / 3rd Hawk / 2nd D20 |
| |
|
|
|
Date |
Opponent |
Result |
| 12/16 | at Kurt Meister Invitational | 1st Place |
| 12/18 | at Holmdel | W 58-13 |
| 12/21 | vs Wall | W 55-18 |
| 12/23 | at Bound Brook | W 69-6 |
| Seton Hall Prep | L 23-33 | |
| 12/28 | at Hawk Classic | 1st Place |
| 12/30 | at Cherokee | W 49-24 |
| Kingsway | W 43-26 | |
| Jackson Memorial | W 46-18 | |
| 1/6 | at Wayne Valley | W 54-12 |
| West Essex | W 56-11 | |
| North Hunterdon | W 31-30 | |
| 1/10 | at Long Branch | W 27-26 |
| 1/13 | vs Northern Highlands (at Ramsey) | W 69-6 |
| Manchester Regional | W 66-15 | |
| Fort Lee | W 66-12 | |
| 1/17 | vs St John Vianney | L 29-31 |
| 1/19 | at Monroe | W 30-28 |
| 1/20 | at Red Bank Regional | W 62-16 |
| Donovan Catholic | W 51-22 | |
| Monmouth Regional | W 67-12 | |
| 1/23 | at Middletown North | W 32-31 |
| 1/27 | Shore Conference Tournament | 4th Place |
| 1/29 | at Matawan | W 63-6 |
| 1/31 | vs Manalapan | W 60-9 |
| 2/3 | vs Rumson (at Marlboro) | W 62-9 |
| Manchester | W 62-11 | |
| TR North | W 38-21 | |
| 2/5 | CJG2QF - vs Brearley | W 74-3 |
| 2/7 | CJG2SF - vs Delaware Valley | W 50-9 |
| 2/9 | CJG2F - vs Holmdel | W 56-12 |
| 2/11 | G2SF - vs Hanover Park | W 34-32 |
| G2F - vs High Point | L 25-30 | |
| 2/17 | District 20 | 1st Place |
| |
|
|
3/3: Season Ends For Rockets At States
STATE AGATES
132: Sr - Russell Benson - (NJ-WB3)
PRELIM: Russell Benson (Raritan) md. Ryan Figueroa (Hammonton) 14-2
PQ: Alex Poniros (Ocean Twp) d. Russell Benson (Raritan) 7-4
WB2: Russell Benson (Raritan) d. Nick Ciraulo (Watchung Hills) 5-1
WB3: Luke Mazzeo (Emerson) d. Russell Benson (Raritan) 12-6
138: Sr - AJ Erven - (NJ-WB1)
PRELIM: Nick Boggiano (Toms River North) 35-9 d. AJ Erven (Raritan) 6-2
WB1: Craig Manno (St. Josephs Montvale) md. AJ Erven (Raritan) 11-1
160: Jr - Anthony Aquilano - (NJ-WB1)
PRELIM: Garrett Bilgrav (Robbinsville) p. Anthony Aquilano (Raritan) 3:13
WB1: Matt Benedetti (Manalapan) d. Anthony Aquilano (Raritan) 3-2
182: Jr - George Burdick - (NJ-WB4)
PRELIM: Zach Mafaro (Kittatinny) p. George Burdick (Raritan) 2:53
WB1: George Burdick (Raritan) tf. Zane Coles (Pitman) 3:29 6-0
WB2: George Burdick (Raritan) p. Niccolo Colucci (St. Peters Prep) 0:34
WB3: George Burdick (Raritan) p. Justin Hayward (Watchung Hills) 2:36
WB4: Nicholas Cofone (Middletown North) 45-4 d. George Burdick (Raritan) 10-5
195: Jr - Justin Acevedo - (NJ-WB1)
PRELIM: Alex Cawley (Pemberton) p. Justin Acevedo (Raritan) 1:16
WB1: Frankie Negrini (Pompton Lakes) d. Justin Acevedo (Raritan) 4-2
220: Sr - Ethan Wolf - (NJ-WB3)
PRELIM: Ethan Wolf (Raritan) p. Sam Huff (Voorhees) 5:07
PQ: Steven Giannios (St. John Vianney) d. Ethan Wolf (Raritan) 7-3
WB2: Ethan Wolf (Raritan) d. Pasquale Locantore (Overbrook) 3-0
WB3: Trey Zgombic (Delbarton) d. Ethan Wolf (Raritan) 6-5
2/24: Benson & Wolf Win Titles; 6 Rockets Advance To States
Russell Benson and Ethan Wolf both won Region Titles, marking the first time in program history that the Rockets crowned multiple champs at the Region Tournament. For Benson, it was his 2nd title, and his third medal. The pair now advances to the State Tournament in Atlantic City, where they will be joined by AJ Erven, Anthony Aquilano, George Burdick, and Justin Acevedo, as Raritan will have six wrestlers competing on the boardwalk.
REGION 5 AGATES
113: Sr - Robert Taddeo - (R5-WB1)
QF: #6 Brandon Spellman (Pingry) md. #3 Robert Taddeo (Raritan) 11-2
WB1: #7 CJ Heaps (Delaware Valley) p. #3 Robert Taddeo (Raritan) 5:10
120: So - Mike Lonnay - (R5-PQ)
PQ: #6 Fred Luchs (Middletown North) p. #11 Mike Lonnay (Raritan) 4:32
132: Sr - Russell Benson - (R5-1st)
QF: #2 Russell Benson (Raritan) tf. #10 Gage Crater (Delaware Valley) 26-11 4:54
SF: #2 Russell Benson (Raritan) d. #3 James Rodriguez (Perth Amboy) 3-2
F: #2 Russell Benson (Raritan) p. #1 Hunter Graf (Hunterdon Central) 5:21
138: Sr - AJ Erven - (R5-2nd)
QF: #3 AJ Erven (Raritan) d. #6 Alec Meyers (Old Bridge) 5-0
SF: #3 AJ Erven (Raritan) vs. #7 Justin Venezia (Hopewell Valley) 10-4
F: #1 Alec Bobchin (Princeton) d. #3 AJ Erven (Raritan) 5-0
145: Sr - Christian Sookdeo - (R5-5th)
QF: #3 Christian Sookdeo (Raritan) d. #6 Marcus Petite (Piscataway) 1-0
SF: #2 Vincent Romaniello (Hunterdon Central) d. #3 Christian Sookdeo (Raritan) 3-1
WB2: #8 Trevor Mastorio (Sayreville) d. #3 Christian Sookdeo (Raritan) 5-4
5TH: #3 Christian Sookdeo (Raritan) md. #6 Marcus Petite (Piscataway) 10-0
152: Jr - James Ecklyn - (R5-PQ)
PQ: #7 Sam Goldzweig (Red Bank) d. #10 James Ecklyn (Raritan) 3-2 TB
160: Jr - Anthony Aquilano - (R5-4th)
QF: #3 Anthony Aquilano (Raritan) p. #11 Johnny O'Beirne (Holmdel) 5:31
SF: #2 Kevin Faulkner (Hillsborough) d. #3 Anthony Aquilano (Raritan) 10-4
WB2: #3 Anthony Aquilano (Raritan) d. #4 Nicholas Weikel (Monroe) 3-1 SV
3RD: #5 Shea Obado (Spotswood) d. #3 Anthony Aquilano (Raritan) 6-4
170: Sr - Dylan Lonnay - (R5-WB1)
PQ: #8 Dylan Lonnay (Raritan) p. #9 Yarinel Peralta (New Brunswick) 5:37
QF: #1 Nick Addison (Rumson) p. #8 Dylan Lonnay (Raritan) 3:08
WB1: #5 Justin Weimer (Middletown South) d. #8 Dylan Lonnay (Raritan) 6-0
182: Jr - George Burdick - (R5-3rd)
PQ: #5 George Burdick (Raritan) p. #12 Benjarmin Walker (New Brunswick) 1:17
QF: #5 George Burdick (Raritan) p. #4 Luis Colon (Perth Amboy) 1:46
SF: #1 Nicko Cofone (Middletown North) d. #5 George Burdick (Raritan) 7-3
WB2: #5 George Burdick (Raritan) p. #6 Liam Horan (Rumson) 3:54
3RD: #5 George Burdick (Raritan) p. #3 Kenneth Abode (North Brunswick) 1:01
195: Jr - Justin Acevedo - (R5-2nd)
PQ: #10 Justin Acevedo (Raritan) d. #7 Gustavo Palacio (South Brunswick) 1-0
QF: #10 Justin Acevedo (Raritan) d. #2 David Ugalde (Bound Brook) 11-7
SF: #10 Justin Acevedo (Raritan) d. #3 Paris Foster (Piscataway) 5-4 UTB
F: #4 Kaylon Bradley (Monroe) d. #10 Justin Acevedo (Raritan) 3-2
220: Sr - Ethan Wolf - (R5-1st)
QF: #2 Ethan Wolf (Raritan) p. #7 Brady Smith (Middletown South) 1:56
SF: #2 Ethan Wolf (Raritan) d. #3 Matthew Rogalski (Manville) 5-1
F: #2 Ethan Wolf (Raritan) d. #1 Steven Giannios (St John Vianney) 4-3
Hwt: Jr - Matt Spirko - (R5-PQ)
PQ: #7 Austin Dewise (Middletown North) p. #10 Matt Spirko (Raritan) 1:19
2/17: Rockets Win District 20 Team Title
1st Place
113: Robert Taddeo
132: Russell Benson
138: AJ Erven
145: Christian Sookdeo
160: Anthony Aquilano
220: Ethan Wolf
2nd Place
170: Dylan Lonnay
Hwt: Matt Spirko
3rd Place
120: Mike Lonnay
152: James Ecklyn
182: George Burdick
195: Justin Acevedo
2/11 - G2F: High Point 30 - Raritan 25
138: Russell Benson (R) d. Shane Kobis 7-3
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) d. Sawyer Fenlon 7-4
152: Trey Osborn (HP) d. Andrew Bohal 2-1
160: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. PJ Soldano 0:45
170: Dylan Lonnay (R) d. Robbie Turro 4-1 2TB
182: George Burdick (R) p. Jonathan Morris 0:24
195: Grayson Sabo (HP) d. Justin Acevedo 3-1
220: Ethan Wolf (R) md. Andrew Lewis 11-3
Hwt: Thomas Hubmaster (HP) d. Matt Spirko 5-1
106: Devon Liebl (HP) p. Jordan Rafalko 0:22
113: Brandon LaRue (HP) p. Robert Taddeo 0:58
120: Josh Gervey (HP) d. Mike Lonnay 9-7
126: Maverick Liebl (HP) d. Cameron Rafalko 10-4
132: Billy Talmadge (HP) d. AJ Erven 5-2
2/11 - G2SF: Raritan 34 - Hanover Park 32
132: Nick Raimo (HP) md. AJ Erven 14-5
138: Russell Benson (R) md. Michael Rubin 13-5
145: Sean Conley (HP) d. Christian Sookdeo 5-2
152: Andrew Bohal (R) d. Connor Mildon 5-1
160: Matthew Liberato (HP) md. Dylan Lonnay 13-4
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) d. Nick Zarra 3-1
182: George Burdick (R) p. Sebastian Bassolino 0:56
195: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Gianluca Birnbaum 5:25
220: Ethan Wolf (R) p. Daniel Gregory 2:40
Hwt: Matt Spirko (R) p. Daniel Jimenez 1:30
106: Joey Olivieri (HP) p. Jordan Rafalko (R) 0:21
113: Jake Bursese (HP) p. Robert Taddeo 2:32
120: Dom Merola (H) d. Mike Lonnay 7-5
126: Dom DiFrancescantonio (HP) by forfeit
2/9 - CJG2F: Raritan 56 - Holmdel 12
Hwt: Matt Spirko (R) d. Victor Kizenko 5-3
106: Nicholas Ammirati (H) p. Jordan Rafalko 4:52
113: Robert Taddeo (R) p. Brandon Ericksen 2:34
120: Mike Lonnay (R) p. Matteo Pinnero 2:55
126: Cameron Rafalko (R) d. Tom Ammirati 3-1 SV
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Ian Flanagan 1:51
138: AJ Erven (R) tf. Zack Wolf 24-9 4:48
145: Dean Gallo (H) d. Christian Sookdeo 7-4
152: Nick Polaco (R) tf. Chris Bell 17-1 4:47
160: Scott Dupont (H) d. James Ecklyn 8-3
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) by forfeit
182: George Burdick (R) p. Shaun Hsueh 0:22
195: Justin Acevedo (R) md. Victor Wladica 8-0
220: Ethan Wolf (R) p. Michael Pavlinetz 0:44
2/7 - CJG2SF: Raritan 50 - Delaware Valley 9
Hwt: Matt Spirko (R) p. Karl Burke 0:29
106: Jordan Rafalko (R) d. Derek Schepens 6-4
113: Robert Taddeo (R) d. CJ Heaps 6-2
120: Mike Lonnay (R) md. Corey Grater 9-1
126: AJ DeRosa (DV) d. Cameron Rafalko 6-1
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Tommy Schlittler 3:17
138: AJ Erven (R) d. Gage Crater 7-1
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) d. Anthony DeRosa 4-2
152: Andrew Bohal (R) p. Nick Ferri 1:23
160: Anthony Aquilano (R) md. Joseph Desapio 10-2
170: Shawne Ramsby (DV) d. Dylan Lonnay 3-1
182: George Burdick (R) p. Kyle Carney 4:10
195: Eli Kalfaian (DV) d. Justin Acevedo 6-4
220: Ethan Wolf (R) by forfeit
2/5 - CJG2QF: Raritan 74 - Brearley 3
285: Matt Spirko (R) p. Niko Perez 0:24
106: Aiden Dennehy (R) by forfeit
113: Patrick Phillips (B) d. Robert Taddeo 3-1
120: Mike Lonnay (R) p. Frank Silva 0:38
126: Cameron Rafalko (R) d. Jagger Kebea 1-0
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Nicholas Stampoulis 1:34
138: AJ Erven (R) tf. Santiago Villarreal 22-7 2:32
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) p. Andrew Cherego 1:13
152: Andrew Bohal (R) p. Kyle Lynaugh 0:40
160: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. John Braun 0:43
170: Dylan Lonnay (R) by forfeit
182: George Burdick (R) by forfeit
195: Justin Acevedo (R) by forfeit
220: Ethan Wolf (R) by forfeit
2/3: Raritan 38 - TR North 21
132: AJ Erven (R) d. Sergio Borda 9-4
138: Russell Benson (R) by forfeit
145: Nick Boggiano (TRN) d. Christian Sookdeo 5-3
152: Matt Spalletta (TRN) d. James Ecklyn 12-5
160: Dylan Lonnay (R) by forfeit
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. Juan Nakano 5:02
182: George Burdick (R) d. Michael Nakano 7-6
195: Justin Acevedo (R) d. Anthony Clavijo 3-0
220: Ethan Wolf (R) d. John O'Donnell 3-0
285: Matt Spirko (R) p. Alex Vargas 1:37
106: Ryan Rosenthal (TRN) tf. Jordan Rafalko 15-0 5:13
113: Robert Taddeo (R) d. Alex Danelson 3-1 SV
120: Nick Reilly (TRN) md. Mike Lonnay 12-1
126: Mark Fedeli (TRN) p. Cameron Rafalko 3:55
Raritan deducted 1 team point
2/3: Raritan 62 - Manchester 11
126: Tyler Huston (M) d. Cameron Rafalko 7-2
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Ja'imeer Gaines 3:59
138: Syrus Colon (M) d. AJ Erven 7-6
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) by forfeit
152: Nick Polaco (R) d. Jared Kilfeather 6-3
160: James Ecklyn (R) tf. Kyle Rembach 16-0 4:18
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) by forfeit
182: George Burdick (R) by forfeit
195: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Blaise Lawson 1:53
220: Ethan Wolf (R) p. Emanuel Gonzalez 0:49
285: Matt Spirko (R) by forfeit
106: Jonathan Salvemini (M) p. Aiden Dennehy 3:38
113: Robert Taddeo (R) by forfeit
120: Mike Lonnay (R) by forfeit
Manchester deducted 1 team point
2/3: Raritan 62 - Rumson 9
120: Mike Lonnay (R) by forfeit
126: Max Brignola (Rum) d. Cameron Rafalko 10-4
132: AJ Erven (R) tf. Tyler Brignola 22-7 5:40
138: Russell Benson (R) p. Michael Ponenti 3:42
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) d. Jack Kelly 5-2
152: Anthony Bailey (R) p. Joseph Sestito 1:00
160: James Ecklyn (R) by forfeit
170: Nick Addison (Rum) p. Dylan Lonnay 1:10
182: George Burdick (R) p. Liam Horan 0:45
195: Justin Acevedo (R) by forfeit
220: No Match
285: Matt Spirko (R) by forfeit.
106: Aiden Dennehy (R) by forfeit
113: Robert Taddeo (R) by forfeit
1/31: Raritan 60 - Manalapan 9
195: Justin Acevedo (R) tf. Chadd Jinks 15-0 4:36
220: Ethan Wolf (R) p. George Zavalnik 2:50
Hwt: Matt Spirko (R) p. Ahmed Munzer
106: Calvin Burke (M) md. Aiden Dennehy 13-3
113: Robert Taddeo (R) p. Bobby Caze 0:49
120: AJ Sortino (M) tf. Mike Lonnay 16-0 4:37
126: Cameron Rafalko (R) md. Zach Simmons 18-6
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Kareem Ghaida 3:09
138: AJ Erven (R) d. Alex Baran 3-2
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) p. Ryan McCoy 1:59
152: Andrew Bohal (R) p. Anthony Coposky 3:50
160: Anthony Aquilano (R) d. Matt Benedetti 4-3
170: Dylan Lonnay (R) d. Andrew Burstyn 5-2
182: George Burdick (R) p. John Montgomeie 1:34
1/29: Raritan 63 - Matawan 6
106: David Rubin (M) p. Aiden Dennehy 3:59
113: Robert Taddeo (R) p. Kamrin O`Neill 3:23
120: Mike Lonnay (R) d. Daniel Higuita 9-2
126: Cameron Rafalko (R) d. Adam Coleman 9-2
132: Russell Benson (R) by forfeit
138: AJ Erven (R) p. Aidan Esposito 1:02
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) p. Bekim Gjyriqi 1:39
152: Andrew Bohal (R) p. Alwayne Mitchell 1:50
160: James Ecklyn (R) p. Ryan Calo 3:21
170: Dylan Lonnay (R) d. Thomas Arendt 4-0
182: Charles Barrale (R) by forfeit
195: No Match
220: Kevin Lind (R) p. Elias Kouri 0:09
285: Matt Spirko (R) by forfeit
1/27: Rockets Finish 4th at Shore Conference Tournament
TOP 4 FINISHERS
2nd Place
132: Russell Benson
160: Anthony Aquilano
3rd Place
182: George Burdick
220: Ethan Wolf
1/23: Raritan 32 - Middletown North 31
160: Anthony Aquilano (R) d. Nico Cerbo 8-6
170: Dylan Lonnay (R) md. Gabriel Lubrano Lavandera 10-1
182: Nicko Cofone (MN) p. Charles Barrale 2:38
195: Jacob Anderson (MN) d. George Burdick 7-2
220: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Ethan Folk 1:37
Hwt: Ethan Wolf (R) d. Austin Dewise 3-1 SV
106: Thomas O'Keefe (MN) tf. Jordan Rafalko 19-4 4:50
113: Tyler Klinsky (MN) md. Robert Taddeo 13-2
120: Freddy Luchs (MN) md. Mike Lonnay 8-0
126: Nate Pujols (MN) d. Cameron Rafalko 7-3
132: Russell Benson (R) tf. Chris McCarthy 22-7 4:00
138: AJ Erven (R) p. Kyle Puzo 1:00
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) md. Joe Cavanagh 12-3
152: Stanley Wojdylak (MN) by forfeit
Raritan wins on criteria. Most 1st points scored.
1/20: Raritan 67 - Monmouth 12
220: Ethan Wolf (R) by forfeit
285: Ricky Voss (M) p. Matt Spirko 0:33
106: Shane Learn (M) p. Aiden Dennehy 1:30
113: Robert Taddeo (R) p. Devon Pham 3:28
120: Matt Vargas (R) p. Jaden Nolasco 0:40
126: Mike Lonnay (R) d. Kevin Cartagena-Walsh 9-5
132: Vin Mangano (R) by forfeit
138: Jack Yennella (R) by forfeit
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) md. Dylan Pham 12-0
152: James Ecklyn (R) p. Jean-Carlos Gratacos 2:44
160: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. Adam Varela 1:11
170: Dylan Lonnay (R) by forfeit
182: George Burdick (R) p. Nick Lavalle 1:31
195: Justin Acevedo (R) p. James Camilleri 0:27
1/20: Raritan 51 - Donovan Catholic 22
195: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Thomas Smith 1:46
220: Ethan Wolf (R) d. Salvatore DiSalvo 1-0
285: Matt Spirko (R) p. Luke Barlet 0:27
106: Nicholas DiGiantomasso (DC) d. Aiden Dennehy 3-1 SV
113: Cael Rankin (DC) p. Robert Taddeo 5:14
120: Mike Lonnay (R) p. Tristin Conger 2:20
126: Jacob Maroukis (DC) p. Matt Vargas 2:32
132: Vin Mangano (R) p. Euan McIntyre 1:14
138: Cristiaan Dailey (DC) md. AJ Erven 13-2
145: Anthony Bailey (R) p. Shane Harrigfeld 1:08
152: James Ecklyn (R) p. Sawyer Conrad 1:56
160: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. Daniel Post 1:19
170: Dylan Lonnay (R) by forfeit
182: Dominick Nocero (DC) d. Charles Barrale 3-2
1/20: Raritan 62 - Red Bank 16
182: George Burdick (R) p. Vincent DeLorenzi 0:44
195: Justin Acevedo (R) md. Nicholas Principe 13-0
220: Ethan Wolf (R) p. Edison Quesada 3:15
285: Matt Spirko (R) p. Justin Gooding 1:01
106: Aiden Dennehy (R) by forfeit
113: Robert Taddeo (R) p. Tucker Cochrane 1:32
120: Mike Lonnay (R) p. Anthony Ciccone 1:57
126: Finn Smith (RB) p. Matt Vargas 1:42
132: Vin Mangano (R) md. Erik Olsen 10-2
138: Luke Devine (RB) p. Jack Yennella 1:11
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) p. Jermain Diaz 1:24
152: Sam Goldweig (RB) md. Anthony Bailey 11-3
160: James Ecklyn (R) p. David Hicks 3:44
170: Dylan Lonnay (R) p. Will DalPra 1:26
1/19: Raritan 30 - Monroe 28
138: Andrew Lombard (M) d. AJ Erven 10-4
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) d. Ian McCabe 2-1
152: Nicholas Weikel (M) p. Anthony Bailey 5:55
160: Dylan Lonnay (R) d. Justin Whitacre 4-2
170: Justin Hopman (M) d. Anthony Aquilano 4-3
182: Charles Barrale (R) d. Ryan Laguardia 11-4
195: George Burdick (R) p. Kaylon Bradley 4:34
220: Justin Acevedo (R) md. Jack Richards 12-3
Hwt: Ethan Wolf (R) p. Luis Pena-Garcia 1:13
106: Tyler Boyum (M) d. Jordan Rafalko 4-1
113: Joseph Fiordaliso (M) d. Robert Taddeo 2-0
120: Michael Bilardo (M) md. Mike Lonnay 13-2
126: Corey Vargas (M) p. Matt Vargas 1:04
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Anthony Ceras 2:47
Raritan deducted 1 team point
1/17: St John Vianney 31 - Raritan 29
170: Nick Caracappa (SJV) md. Dylan Lonnay 21-8
182: Justin Acevedo (R) d. Jaden Lowe 8-5
195: George Burdick (R) md. Josiah Walker 16-5
220: Steven Giannios (SJV) by forfeit
Hwt: Paul Liseno (SJV) d. Ethan Wolf 6-4
106: Joseph Butler (SJV) tf. Jordan Rafalko 18-2 5:45
113: Dean Peterson (SJV) p. Robert Taddeo 3:21
120: Tyler Pepe (SJV) md. Mike Lonnay 13-4
126: Seth Rotondella (SJV) d. Cameron Rafalko 7-3
132: Vin Mangano (R) md. Gabe Jones 10-2
138: Russell Benson (R) p. Isaac Holt 1:02
145: AJ Erven (R) d. Charlie Peterson 9-3
152: Christian Sookdeo (R) d. Blake Clayton 4-0
160: Anthony Aquilano (R) by forfeit
1/13: Raritan 66 - Fort Lee 12
120: Robert Taddeo (R) p. Giancarlo Casale 1:14
126: Sean Hernandez ((FL) d. Cameron Rafalko 11-4
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Anthony Medina 3:54
138: AJ Erven (R) p. Austin Lindsey 0:19
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) p. Alejandro Perez 3:43
152: James Ecklyn (R) p. Sidney Amsalem 1:58
160: Nick Polaco (R) p. Bryan Sierra 1:51
170: Dylan Lonnay (R) p. Nikola Bojanovic 3:48
182: George Burdick (R) p. Arturo Andrew 1:58
195: Ivan Jones ((FL) d. Justin Acevedo 8-4
220: Ethan Wolf (R) p. Justin Estevez 1:15
285: Matt Spirko (R) p. Juan Jimenez 0:32
106: Jordan Rafalko (R) p. Jesus Tejada 3:43
113: Sameer Idrees ((FL) p. Aiden Dennehy 1:52
1/13: Raritan 66 - Manchester Reg 15
113: Aiden Dennehy (R) by forfeit
120: Peret Shed (MR) p. Matt Vargas 1:15
126: Mike Lonnay (R) p. Angel Delos Santos 1:17
132: Danial Betamour (MR) d. Vin Mangano 2-1
138: Jack Yennella (R) by forfeit
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) p. Victor Escudero 2:53
152: Andrew Bohal (R) p. Erce Savas 1:17
160: Dylan Lonnay (R) p. Rich Jest 5:30
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. Dustin Lewicki 2:19
182: Charles Barrale (R) p. Felipe Borjas 5:34
195: George Burdick (R) p. Richard Jest 0:37
220: Ethan Wolf (R) by forfeit
285: Shane Booker (MR) p. Matt Spirko 0:23
106: Jordan Rafalko (R) by forfeit.
1/13: Raritan 69 - Northern Highlands 6
106: Aiden Dennehy (R) p. Aiden O'Rourke 4:29
113: Robert Taddeo (R) p. Alberto Ribe 1:20
120: Mike Lonnay (R) p. Nico Berlingeri 3:52
126: Cameron Rafalko (R) d. Devin Iannelli 6-4
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Matthew McCoy 4:25
138: AJ Erven (R) by injury default over Vincent DeMaria
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) p. Jack Post 3:36
152: Andrew Bohal (R) d. Edmond Iannelli 14-12 SV
160: James Ecklyn (R) d. Benjamin Kaplan 7-0
170: Gabriel Robles (NH) p. Dylan Lonnay 4:43
182: George Burdick (R) p. Anthony Sciuto 1:28
195: Charles Barrale (R) p. Ryan Peter 1:20
220: Kevin Lind (R) by forfeit
285: Matt Spirko (R) by forfeit
1/10: Raritan 27 - Long Branch 26
182: George Burdick (R) p. Edgar Padilla 1:02
195: Peter Wersinger (LB) md. Charles Barrale 13-4
220: La'qym Morris (LB) p. Justin Acevedo 3:06
Hwt: Ethan Wolf (R) d. Kevin Cerruti 4-1
106: Joseph Conlon (LB) md. Jordan Rafalko 12-1
113: Ryan Zimmerman (LB) d. Robert Taddeo 6-0
120: Mike Lonnay (R) d. Rey Guzman 7-5
126: Chris Dean (LB) d. Cameron Rafalko 11-4
132: Russell Benson (R) tf. Stivini Silva 26-11 5:21
138: AJ Erven (R) md. Ryan Carey 16-8
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) d. Isaac Shohet 5-2
152: Nick Polaco (R) d. Louie Saez 8-5
160: Luke Arnold (LB) d. Dylan Lonnay 6-2
170: Dan Santos-Silva (LB) d. Anthony Aquilano 3-2 UTB
1/6: Raritan 31 - North Hunterdon 30
120: Drew Doscher (NH) d. Mike Lonnay 11-8
126: Evan Klimas (NH) d. Cameron Rafalko 2-1
132: Russell Benson (R) md. Kyle Anderson 13-5
138: Andrew Gapas (NH) d. AJ Erven 11-6
145: Michael Wilson (NH) p. Christian Sookdeo 1:40
152: Tucker Kirchberger (NH) d. Nick Polaco 7-4
160: William Hughes (NH) d. Dylan Lonnay 10-5
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. Nathaniel Fossett 1:09
182: George Burdick (R) p. John Spies 2:00
195: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Richard Kimmick 4:42
220: Ethan Wolf (R) p. Francis Vitelli 1:30
285: Matt Spirko (R) d. Lorenzo Becerril 2-1
106: Connor Robinson (NH) p. Aiden Dennehy 1:07
113: Frank Diesso (NH) d. Robert Taddeo 8-5
1/6: Raritan 56 - West Essex 11
113: Robert Taddeo (R) p. Carson Barry 2:25
120: Mike Lonnay (R) p. Billy Garofalo 4:23
126: Mike Ruane (WE) md. Cameron Rafalko 11-3
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Vincent Zoppi 1:42
138: AJ Erven (R) md. Joseph Nappi 15-4
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) d. Jonathan Bartley 3-2
152: Nick Polaco (R) d. Samuel Carsillo 8-2
160: Antonio Zaccaria (WE) d. Dylan Lonnay 4-2
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. Luke Dignazio 3:00
182: George Burdick (R) p. Peter Kenny 1:40
195: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Carmen Cucuzza 2:38
220: Ethan Wolf (R) md. Christopher Maestoso 17-4
285: Matt Spirko (R) p. Bardhyl Gashi 1:10
106: Jack Ruane (WE) md. Jordan Rafalko 9-0
1/6: Raritan 54 - Wayne Valley 12
106: Hunter Davis (WV) p. Aiden Dennehy 4:39
113: Robert Taddeo (R) p. Adam Zindaki 2:10
120: Orion Cua (WV) d. Mike Lonnay 12-7
126: Cameron Rafalko (R) d. Sean Hammer 5-3
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Cole Drozjock 3:48
138: AJ Erven (R) p. Matt Jimenez 3:05
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) d. Nick Duncan 5-1
152: Reid Colella (WV) d. Nick Polaco 3-1
160: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. Mohannad Baghal 5:27
170: Dylan Lonnay (R) d. Dan Murphy 4-3
182: George Burdick (R) p. Benino Dorsey 2:49
195: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Gabriel Ortiz 5:02
220: Ethan Wolf (R) p. Nick Trani 3-1 SV
285: Matt Spirko (R) p. Jordan Botero 0:42
12/30: Raritan 49 - Cherokee 24
160: Dylan Lonnay (R) tf. Jacob Schoch 15-0 4:14
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. Zane Klinshaw 4:05
182: George Burdick (R) tf. Gasperio Alessi 19-0 2:44
195: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Brandon Noble 1:21
220: Ethan Wolf (R) p. Justin Dickinson 0:32
285: Matt Spirko (R) by forfeit
106: Andrew Edelson (C) p. Aiden Dennehy 2:53
113: Robert Taddeo (R) p. Ryan Rhoades 0:48
120: Cooper Pontelandolfo (C) p. Mike Lonnay 2:53
126: Colin Wickramaratna (C) p. Cameron Rafalko 3:24
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Ian Manahan 4:28
138: Nick Moffa (C) d. Vin Mangano 10-3
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) d. Ryan Burke 4-2
152: Michael Richter (C) d. Anthony Bailey 8-7
12/30: Raritan 46 - Jackson Memorial 18
152: Ryan Bohringer (JM) d. Nick Polaco 8-1
160: Dylan Lonnay (R) p. Hunter Smith 1:29
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) p. Leo Shimonovich 1:09
182: George Burdick (R) tf. Brock Winston 15-0 5:51
195: Kyle Epperly (JM) d. Justin Acevedo 6-3
220: Ethan Wolf (R) p. Logan Reese 3:00
285: Matt Spirko (R) p. Kole Kalinauskas 0:22
106: Luke Temple (JM) p. Jordan Rafalko 3:44
113: Vincent Scollo (JM) d. Robert Taddeo 6-1
120: Chris McDonald (JM) d. Mike Lonnay 10-4
126: Cameron Rafalko (R) md. Kevin Hogan 12-2
132: Russell Benson (R) p. Nick White 5:00
138: AJ Erven (R) d. Carsten Digiantomasso 5-1
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) md. Rob Lagravenis 9-1
12/30: Raritan 43 - Kingsway 26
145: Quinn Kinner (K) p. Christian Sookdeo 4:27
152: Nick Polaco (R) p. Zach Sladek 1:40
160: Dylan Lonnay (R) p. Conrad Cliver 2:53
170: Colin Wexler (K) p. Anthony Aquilano 3:53
182: George Burdick (R) p. Elijah Nickerson 0:21
195: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Alieis Almanzar 5:36
220: Ethan Wolf (R) d. Sean Horner 6-1
285: Matt Spirko (R) p. Jaylen Shanklin 1:24
106: Kyle Bomenblit (K) d. Aiden Dennehy 7-5
113: McKenzie Bell (K) d. Robert Taddeo 11-4
120: Cheney Kinner (K) md. Mike Lonnay 16-2
126: Finnegan McFadden (K) md. Cameron Rafalko 13-1
132: Russell Benson (R) md. Jake Gentile 12-4
138: AJ Erven (R) p. John Sambogna 1:51
12/28: Rockets Win Hawk Classic
1st Place
132: Russell Benson (Outstanding Wrestler)
138: AJ Erven
152: Nick Polaco
160: Dylan Lonnay
170: Anthony Aquilano
182: George Burdick
220: Ethan Wolf
2nd Place
113: Robert Taddeo
160: James Ecklyn
3rd Place
120: Mike Lonnay
145: Christian Sookdeo
195: Justin Acevedo
12/23: Raritan 69 - Bound Brook 9
220: Ethan Wolf (R) by forfeit
285: Jervey Sistrunk (BB) p. Matt Spirko 0:59
106: Aiden Dennehy (R) by forfeit
113: Robert Taddeo (R) by forfeit
120: Mike Lonnay (R) by forfeit
126: Cameron Rafalko (R) p. Justin Ibarra 3:38
132: Russell Benson (R) by forfeit
138: AJ Erven (R) p. Mike Meola 1:47
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) p. Blake Johnson 3:02
152: Carlos Ugalde (BB) d. Nick Polaco 7-2
160: James Ecklyn (R) d. Jahman McNeil 6-2
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) by forfeit
182: George Burdick (R) p. David Ugalde 2:23
195: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Joseph DeFazio 1:50
12/23: Seton Hall Prep 33 - Raritan 23
195: George Burdick (R) p. Ben Halligan 1:03
220: Justin Acevedo (R) p. Alex Giannoglou 3:12
285: Ethan Wolf (R) md. Nikolaos Diakides 10-1
106: Larry Melchionda (SH) p. Aiden Dennehy 0:53
113: Conner Decker (SH) d. Robert Taddeo 4-0
120: Mike Lonnay (R) d. Dean Musialowicz 7-4
126: Cole Carroll (SH) d. Cameron Rafalko 3-1
132: Charles Cunningham (SH) d. Russell Benson 6-4
138: AJ Erven (R) md. Aidan Cunningham 12-3
145: Jack Wilt (SH) d. Andrew Bohal 7-3
152: Michael Massa (SH) d. Christian Sookdeo 7-1
160: Danny Young (SH) d. Nick Polaco 5-2
170: Alex Garcia (SH) p. Anthony Aquilano 2:48
182: Zachary Merlino (SH) d. Charles Barrale 6-3
12/21: Raritan 55 - Wall 18
132: Russell Benson (R) by forfeit
138: AJ Erven (R) by forfeit
145: Jack Kelly (W) d. Christian Sookdeo 9-3
152: Jacob Whitworth (W) md. Nick Polaco 10-0
160: Robert Kanniard (W) tf. James Ecklyn 21-5 4:41
170: Anthony Aquilano (R) by forfeit
182: George Burdick (R) by forfeit
195: Justin Acevedo (R) by forfeit
220: Ethan Wolf (R) by forfeit
285: Matt Spirko (R) by forfeit
106: Cole Meyer (W) p. Aiden Dennehy 2:38
113: Robert Taddeo (R) md. Mike Bruno 17-3
120: Mike Lonnay (R) by forfeit
126: Cameron Rafalko (R) d. Jacob Glantzman 14-8
12/18: Raritan 58 - Holmdel 13
152: Nick Polaco (R) by forfeit
160: Scott Dupont (H) md. James Ecklyn 12-0
170: John O`Beirne (H) d. Anthony Aquilano 6-4
182: Dylan Lonnay (R) d. Victor Wladica 9-8 TB
195: Justin Acevedo (R) md. Michael Pavlinetz 9-0
220: Ethan Wolf (R) by forfeit
285: Matt Spirko (R) p. Victor Kizenko 1:17
106: Nicholas Ammirati (H) p. Aiden Dennehy 5:48
113: Robert Taddeo (R) by forfeit
120: Mike Lonnay (R) p. Matteo Pinnero 0:56
126: Cameron Rafalko (R) p. Ian Flanagan 1:39
132: Russell Benson (R) by forfeit
138: AJ Erven (R) by forfeit
145: Christian Sookdeo (R) d. Dean Gallo 7-2
12/16: Rockets Finish 1st at Kurt Meister Invitational
1st Place
113: Robert Taddeo
132: Russell Benson
138: AJ Erven
170: Anthony Aquilano
220: Ethan Wolf
2nd Place
160: James Ecklyn
182: George Burdick
3rd Place
126: Cameron Rafalko
195: Justin Acevedo
Hwt: Matt Spirko
2017 Record: 26-3
#14 in NJWWA Top 20
#2 in Shore Conference
District 20 Champions
CJG2 State Sectional Finalists
Shore Conference Tournament Finalists
A-Central Champions
Hawk Classic Champions
#14 in NJWWA Top 20
#2 in Shore Conference
District 20 Champions
CJG2 State Sectional Finalists
Shore Conference Tournament Finalists
A-Central Champions
Hawk Classic Champions
Eleven starters return, highlighted by a wealth of talented upperclassmen. The Rockets have the guns to once again compete for the top spot in the Shore, as well as the A-Central and CJG2 Titles.
Could really pick anywhere to begin with the lineup and have a lot of good things to say, but we'll start with the stretch from 120-145. It's a group that features three returning District Champions. Among them is Russell Benson, a big time hammer, who is a 2-time State qualifier and was one win shy of a medal in 2017. He enters the season at 99 career wins and will be gunning for a spot high on the Boardwalk Hall podium. Joining him are fellow District champs, Robert Taddeo and Charles Barrale, as well as returning starters AJ Erven, a 27-match winner, and Cameron Rafalko.
Things don't let up from there, as the run from 152-220 is flat out brutal, with the potential for Raritan to fill all six weights with a returning District medal winner, including a returning champion in 220-pounder, Ethan Wolf. There's depth here too, which gives Coach Nucci the ability to make some moves to make things even tougher on opponents. Kicking it off at 152 is District runner-up Andrew Bohal, and 23-match winner Christian Sookdeo, who did not participate in last year's post-season, but might have been a safe bet to medal as well. Things keep buzzing along at 160 and 170 with Nick Polaco, Anthony Aquilano,and Dylan Lonnay. You have to expect Lonnay will get plenty of time in the lineup, and gives the Rockets some bump up options when/if they need it. Those three lead into a bonus machine in George Burdick at 182, who finished one place short of a trip to AC in 2017. Look for a huge season for Burdick in 2018. 20-bout winner and 3rd place D20 finisher Justin Acevedo follows and leads in to Ethan Wolf.
The three weights that should see new starters will be up at heavyweight and down at the 106/113 slots. The guys looking to fill those spots were victims of Raritan's depth chart more than anything. They've been pushed in the room, and will no doubt looking to make names of their own now that the opportunity to join the lineup has presented itself.
Long story short, the Green Machine is loaded. There is just too much talent, and too much depth for most teams to keep up here. They've won A-Central in 12 of the 13 seasons that the division has existed, and with St John Vianney expected to be the main challenger for title 13, we circle the January 17th as a big date on the calendar. The rest of the regular season schedule has plenty of big hitters on it as well, including Long Branch, Wall, Jackson, and Manalapan, and very solid non-conference slate that features Phillipsburg, Bound Brook, Cherokee, Delsea, Piscataway, Monroe, West Essex, and a few more that I can't remember off the top of my head. Of course, another one of the yearly goals is the win the CJG2 Sectional. Not surprisingly, Delaware Valley, who has been a major hurdle for the Rockets in the past, is expected to be the main competitor to Raritan again. The Rockets would love the chance to avoid wrestling them in Frenchtown, and have built a schedule to give them a shot at bringing them into their gym this time around.
Individually, there's a lot to like here. Part of the fun on the SCT switching to an individual tournament format will be the pre-tourney bragging rights on which team qualifies the most wrestlers. Raritan will certainly be in the mix in that department, and has to be considered one the favorites to win the team score competition there. As for the post-season tournaments, you have NINE guys here that qualified for the Regions, yet only one got through to AC. That's a number that the team has been working hard all off season to improve in the 2018, and it's hard to not like their chances. Expect huge things from the Green Machine in 2018, especially from their heralded senior class that will be looking to close their high schools on as many highs as possible.
Possible Lineup in 2018
| Wgt |
Wrestler |
2017 |
Notes |
| 106 |
(Jr) Aidan Dennehy |
1-0 |
|
| 106 |
(Fr) Matt Vargas |
||
| 113 |
(So) Mike Lonnay |
8-3 |
|
| 120 |
(Sr) Robert Taddeo |
27-12 / 6th R5 / 1st D20 |
|
| 126 |
(Jr) Cameron Rafalko |
13-17 |
|
| 132 |
(Jr) Charles Barrale |
27-4 / 6th R5 / 1st D20 |
51 career wins, 2x Dst placer |
| 138 |
(Sr) Russell Benson |
38-3 / NJ-WB4 / 1st R5 / 1st D20 |
99 wins, 2x Dst champ, 3x placer, 2x NJ qualifier |
| 138 |
(So) Vin Mangano |
||
| 145 |
(Sr) AJ Erven |
27-7 |
65 career wins |
| 145 |
(So) Anthony Bailey |
||
| 145 |
(Sr) David Santiago |
||
| 152 |
(Sr) Andrew Bohal |
17-12 / R5-PQ / 2nd D20 |
35 career wins |
| 152 |
(Sr) Christian Sookdeo |
23-6 |
66 career wins |
| 152 |
(Jr) James Ecklyn |
2-1 |
|
| 160 |
(Sr) Nick Polaco |
13-11 / R5-PQ / 3rd D20 |
|
| 170 |
(Jr) Anthony Aquilano |
18-7 / R5-PQ / 2nd D20 |
39 career wins |
| 170 |
(Sr) Dylan Lonnay |
7-7 |
|
| 182 |
(Jr) George Burdick |
33-6 / 5th R5 / 2nd D20 |
58 career wins |
| 195 |
(Jr) Justin Acevedo |
20-10 / R5-PQ / 3rd D20 |
|
| 195 |
(Jr) Joe Sidison |
0-1 |
|
| 220 |
(Sr) Ethan Wolf |
29-7 / 5th R5 / 1st D20 |
46 career wins |
| 220 |
(So) Kevin Lind |
||
| Hwt |
(Jr) Matt Spirko |
2-2 |
|
| Hwt |
(Fr) Asawn Clark |
||
| |
|
|
|
Graduated in 2017
| Wgt |
Wrestler |
Record |
Post Season |
| 145 |
Jimmy VanFechtmann |
22-12 |
R5-WB1 / 2nd D20 |
| 170 |
Joseph Bruncati |
2-2 | |
| 195 |
Ryan Dickens |
16-12 |
|
| Hwt |
Dylan Kansky |
17-13 |
R5-PQ / 3rd D20 |
| |
|
|
|
Raritan High School Wrestling
