2025-26 Morris/Sussex wrestling team-by-team preview capsules

NJAC-Independence

Boonton

Coach: Dave Hughen, 26th season

Last season: 14-5

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Isa Kupa (132); Sr. Phoenix LaCorte (150); Sr. Enes Qose (190); Sr. Abdul Saquib (150); Sr. Qusai Mustafa (144); Sr. Max Strelkoff (157); Sr. David Arias (175); Sr. Rayan Toska (175); Jr. Saim Amankosoglu (132); Jr. Frankie Otero (215); Jr. Jacob Hughen (120); Jr. Savian Martinez (157); Jr. Adam Abu Yousef (144); So. Hedwin Castillo (150); So. Erik Toth (138); So. Josh Sanchez (157); So. Zahier Carter (165); So. Jayden Colon (106); So. Sean Tracy (113); So. Calder Lang (126); So. Jack Allen (138); So. Mohsin Khan (144); So. Mahmoud Altammi (165).

Newcomers: Fr. Aiden Emmel (120); Fr. William Duncan (120); Fr. Mekail Salmon (126); Fr. Evan Conova (126); Fr. Tyler Ferschman (138); Fr. Justin Suquitana (215).

Outlook: Boonton is balanced and competitive.

Mountain Lakes

Coach: Matt Stanzione, 16th season

Last season: 8-19

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Brody Koy (150); Jr. Joey DiPompeo (175); Jr. Dustin Gabriel (Hwt.); So. Diego Mendez (132); So. Jayden Hernando (138); So. Zach Sportelli (144); So. Nick Drake (157).

Newcomers: Sr. John Spell (165); Fr. Ruben Rose (113); Fr. Javier Mendez (120); Fr. Emin Akcay (126).

Outlook: The young Lakers expect to compete in the NJAC-Independence.

Whippany Park

Coach: Devon Engelberger, 14th season

Last season: 11-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Amar Munkh; Jr. Gabe Saliani; So. C.J. Palmisano; So. Sean Dill (175); So. Leo Nascimento (132)

Newcomers: Jr. Conrad Geraghty (190/215); So. Mateo Casano (106); So. Matt Facchino (106)

Outlook: The young Wildcats are aiming for individual improvement.

NJAC-Liberty

Hanover Park

Coach: Tyler Branham, ninth season

Last season: 17-7, 3-0 NJAC-Liberty champion; North 2, Group 1 champion; Group 1 finalist

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Nick DiFrancescantonio (132/138); Sr. Aeden Hamilton (215); Sr. Ronny Madera (190); Jr. Jayden Madera (175); Jr. Neil DellaTorre (126); Jr. Gaby Conte (107); Jr. Kyle Dunn (132/138); So. Ethan Kaup (120); So. Brendan Hamilton (144/150).

Newcomers: Jr. Joey Monticello (157/165); Jr. Lucas Andrade (Hwt.); So. Franco Furfaro (106/113); Fr. Elias Chen-Ott (165/175); Fr. Alex Spagnuolo (106/113).

Outlook: After graduating 10 starters, Hanover Park will be young and inexperienced.

Kinnelon

Coach: Anthony Colabella, second season

Last season: 12-9, 3-0 NJAC-Independence champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Wyatt Sisco (215); Jr. Leo Dimitrakiou (165); Jr. Steven Malfitano (126); So. Dominick Malfitano (106/113); So. Roman Ritacco (157)

Outlook: The Colts hope to compete in the NJAC-Liberty and qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament.

Madison

Coach: Mike Goodwin, 14th season

Last season: 9-17

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Michael Smith (126/132); Sr. Joey Koczara (138); Sr. Sal Rafanello (144); Sr. Karl Maurer (144); Sr. Michael Sirna (190); Sr. Malcolm Horan (138); Jr. David DeFilippis (126); Jr. Danny Aguirre (150/158); Jr. Josh Ortiz (150/158); Jr. Nolan Tracy (220/Hwt.); Jr. Xavier Helmer (190/220); So. Harry Smith (120); So. P.J. Finkelday (220).

Newcomers: Jr. Liam Lehmann (144/150); Fr. Massimo Sansieviero (120/126); Fr. Rowan Lehmann (106); Fr. Joe Gillian (Hwt.).

Outlook: Madison added veteran youth wrestlers to an already experienced lineup.

Pequannock

Coach: Jay LaPaglia, 10th seasonx

Last season: 9-10

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Dylan Roemmele (190); Sr. Tyler Osborn (Hwt.); Sr. Sophia Klecha (132); Jr. Bobby Nusufi (215); Jr. Gio Panico (138/144); Jr. Gavin Wisz (157); Jr. Marco Carruci (175); Jr. Will Meneeley (150); So. Cole Miller (150); So. Brandon Rogalla (106); So. Matt Dolan (165)

Newcomers: So. Orhan Yesilova (120); So. Chase Jarensky (175); Fr. Kutlap Onbilger (113); Fr. Luke Green (120); Fr. Jonathan Davis (126); Fr. Joe Pokrywa (132); Fr. Charlie Auskings (132); Fr. Brandon Danyo (138/144); Fr. Tyler Brentnall (190)

Outlook: Many Pequannock wrestlers have been working out together during the offseason.

NJAC-National

Montville

Coach: Brian Kapral, third season

Last season: 20-6, 5-1 NJAC-National

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Luke Manieri; Sr. Jimmy Palmeirio; Sr. Alex Rodriguez; Sr. Ryan Zeltser; Sr. Auggie Hofbauer; Jr. Alex Husti; Jr. Sean Zamota; Jr. Max Massefski; Jr. Gage Dembowski; Jr. Gavin Trizinski; So. Alex Perez

Newcomers: Sr. Zayd Medhat; Jr. Owen Trautman; Jr. Justin Montero; Jr. Jackson Mulholland; So. Jacob Salazar; Fr. Carter Riley

Outlook: Montville expects to remain competitive in the NJAC-National and sectional tournament.

Morristown

Coach: Jesse Thorsen, fourth season

Last season: 14-7

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Jordan Bocchino (190); Sr. Mark Figueroa (144/150); Sr. Justin Vasquez-Lopez (157/165); Sr. Olvin Hernandez (215); Sr. Jahaziel Torres (175/190); Jr. Gavin Rivera (138); Jr. Harry Marmora (132); Jr. Evan Curnow (157/165); Jr. Oliver Elms (165/175); Jr. Vincent Dellacroce (175/190); Jr. Leandro Celi (144/150); Jr. Anthony Caragan (190); Jr. Joseph Mejia (Hwt.); So. Nestor Bedoya (120); So. Christian DeNova (150); So. Vincent Gervasio (106/113); So. Gavin Janosy (190); So. Serafino Lifrieri (150/157); So. Collin McDonald (132); So. Brian Morhardt (175); So. Devin Navarro (138); So. Wilmer Doblado-Cruz (175); So. Cam Scheifler (132); So. Rocco Sorrano (144/150)

Newcomers: So. Anthony Adriano Joyas; Fr. James Bubyckie; Fr. Joel Gordillo; Fr. Tate Jordan (126); Fr. Finn Lee (113); Fr. Marcellas Metzger (144/150); Fr. Declan Miller (106); Fr. Estiben Ortiz; Fr. Grayson Rivera (106); Fr. Benjamin Velenti (113/120)

Outlook: District champ McDonald and returning place-winners Curnow, River and Gervasio will lead the way.

Parsippany Hills

Coach: Chris Wells, 10th season

Last season: 14-15

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Mario Fornini (132); Sr. Cole San Martin (190); Sr. Ben Kiwior (120); Jr. Logan Forgatch (113); Jr. Anthony Caponegro (157).

Newcomers: Fr. Logan Herzog (106); Fr. Jack Chazen (215).

Outlook: The Vikings are building around returning NJSIAA qualifiers Forgatch, Fornini and Caponegro.

Randolph

Coach: Paul Conboy, first season

Last season: 5-16

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Tyler Davis (165); Sr. Andrew Ziedman (190); Jr. William Mihlako (120); Jr. Aiden Madayag-Williams (114); Jr. Pawel Wolak (157); Jr. Rayan Taherpour (150); Jr. Anthony Helmstetter (215); So. A.J. Alessandra (106); So. Mason Pierce (138); So. Emmanuel Samaniego (175)

Newcomers: Fr. Mason Marks (113); Fr. Matteo Manente (120); Fr. Dominick Conte (157)

Outlook: Randolph is relying on depth.

Roxbury

Coach: D.J. Roman, seventh season

Last season: 

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Charlie Bacinsky (157); Sr. Trace Roberts (150); Jr. Nolan Monaghan (175); Jr. Jaedon Reilly (138); So. Jaedon Montalvo (120)

Newcomers: So. Christian Tummino; So. Ian McMahon

Outlook: Roxbury has both depth and experience.

NJAC-American

Morris Hills

Coach: Brian Bollette, 11th season

Last season: 11-14

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Alex Casarrubias (150); Sr. Josh Levin (132); Sr. Andrew Mucci (138); Sr. Kalan Acevedo (126); Sr. Jose Vazquez (106); Sr. Jordan Medina (157); Sr. Matthew Ochoa (190); Jr. Victor Gallardo (150); Jr. Tyler DiSanto (175); So. Dom Lombardi (106); So. Travis Dimick (120); So. Patrick Acevedo (120); So. Ethan Smolinski (144); So. Jack Wans (165); So. Frank Dimarzio (190); So. Iann Coronado (Hwt.).

Brody Frank (Sr.); Johnny Vasquez (Sr.); Nick Petrosine (Sr.); (Jr.); Jacob Soriano (Jr.); (Jr.); (Jr.); (Jr.); Jr.); James Cortes (So.); (So.); (So.); (So.); (So.); -Howe (So.); Hudson Smith (So.); (So.); Rocco Centrella (So.); (So.); Michael Carlucci (So.); (So.); Tyson Russell (So.); Tyler Marks (So.); Alejandro Casarrubias (So.); (So.)

Newcomers: Keep an eye on Morris Hills' large sophomore class.

Outlook: 

Morris Knolls

Coach: Anthony Vasile, fifth season

Last season: 19-5, 6-0 NJAC-National

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Nathan Gomes (120); Sr. Samuel Allen (138); Sr. Tyler Kot (157); Sr. Luke Shivas (175); Jr. Dominic Litterio (113); Jr. Adam Molina (126); Jr. Vincenzo D'Asti (150); Jr. Kaden Montoya (165); Jr. Anthony Wagner (190); Jr. Lucas Nagua (215); So. Sean Morris (144); So. Anthony Bray (144).

Newcomers: Jr. Anthony Evaristo (Hwt.); Jr. Vincent DeSomma (126); Fr. Grady Jackson (144); Fr. Travis Gentile (106); Fr. Tyler Gentile (106); Fr. Nick Mateus (106).

Outlook: Morris Knolls hopes to compete in the NJAC-American.

Mount Olive

Coach: Sean Smyth, 25th season

Last season: 15-4; Morris County Tournament champion; North 1, Group 4 finalist

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Jack Bacigalupo (120/126); Sr. Anthony Piemonte (132); Sr. Nico Orzillo (138); Sr. Stephen Hayek (175/190); Sr. Nico Gonzalez (215); Sr. Andrew Katsigiannis (190); Sr. Nakhi Hernandez (138); Jr. Mike Koroski (113); Jr. Shane Kostakos (138); Jr. Colin Smyth (157); Jr. Drew Coppolo (165); Jr. Justin Bullock (175/190); Jr. Jared Martini (Hwt.); So. Nick Bacigalupo (106); So. Jack Rawa (106); So. Kristian Beres (120/126); So. Thomas McDonald (144/150); So. Dominic Jovino (144/150).

Newcomers: Fr. Cole Rebels (113/120).

Outlook: Veteran Mount Olive expects to stay competitive.

More: Behind three champions, Mount Olive captures first-ever Morris County wrestling title

Pope John

Coach: Mark Piotrowsky, 12th season

Last season: 11-6

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Dalton Weber (132); Sr. Jake Piotrowsky (138); Sr. Daniel Arroyo (150); Sr. Cole Dunham (175); Sr. David Thomson (190); Sr. Shaun Baumann (Hwt.); Jr. Frankie Spagnola (144); Jr. Sal D'Arco (126); Jr. Lukas Katsigiannis (165); Jr. Braydan Lombreglia (157); Jr. Matthew Sutton (175); Jr. Matt Reilley (150); Jr. Myzel Galloza (157); So. Michael Marston (150); So. Michael Morelli (215).

Newcomers: Sr. Matt Farley (144); Sr. Nick Mignone (190/215); So. Jacob Campbell (113); Fr. Jaxson Weber (106); Fr. Mason Zerden (120); Fr. Nick Katsigiannis (120); Fr. Mark Hedgepath (126); Fr. Ryan Johnson (144); Fr. Zach Lombreglia (157); Fr. Luke Broderick (150).

Outlook: Pope John expects better performances in the postseason.

Sparta

Coach: Dan Trappe, fifth season

Last season: 6-17

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Ryan Hrenenko (144); Sr. Liam Hassloch (215); Sr. Sean Brown (138); Sr. Patrick Bruseo (132); Sr. Trevor Ekeland (175).

Newcomers: Fr. Keelan Shaerer (106); Fr. Finn McGurrin (126).

Outlook: The Spartans hope to compete in the NJAC-American and make a run in the NJSIAA Tournament.

NJAC-Colonial

Dover

Coach: Will Dodd, fourth season

Last season: 16-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Matt Le (132); Jr. Marcos Duque (126); Jr. Brayan Cabrera (144); Jr. Juan Torres (133)

Newcomers: Sr. Leo Lorenzo (138)

Outlook: The Tigers are aiming at the school record for wins.

North Warren

Coach: Nik Pagano, first season

Last season: 2-16

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Conor Hallowich (126); Sr. Jackson Foehr (Hwt.); Sr. Trey Zebrun (144); Jr. Cole Castles (150); Jr. Brianna Stiller (165).

Newcomers: Jr. Bjorne Svedsen (132); Jr. Sid Dwyer (138).

Outlook: Pagano, the Patriots’ third coach in as many seasons, is relying on juniors.

Vernon

Coach: Billy Talmadge, first season

Last season: 2-21

Returning letter-winners: Sr. True Digiuseppe (190); Sr. Zyon Taylor (Hwt.); Jr. Jackson Moore (215).

Newcomers: So. Cole Hecht (144).

Outlook: Talmadge is the rebuilding Vikings' third coach in as many seasons.

NJAC-Freedom

Hackettstown

Coach: Tyler Kozimor, first season

Last season: 13-11

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Matt McGovern (175); Sr. Darwin Disla (175); Jr. Steven Vidal (106); Jr. Joseph Rowinski (120); Jr. Gio Gutierrez (126); Jr. Diego Penazola (132); Jr. Bryan Dougherty (138); Jr. Adrian Pinto (144); Jr. Evan Carr (157).

Newcomers: So. Nate Torres (165); Fr. Carmine Granata (106/113); Fr. Corbin Booth (144); Fr. Ryan Katcavage (190).

Outlook: Kozimor inherits experienced lower and middle weights from James Berringer, who is now the Tigers' athletic director.

High Point

Coach: Billy Smith, second season

Last season: 19-6, 4-0 NJAC-Freedom

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Brady Conklin (120); Sr. Gio Dureny (175); Sr. Jayden Ruplall (165); Sr. Jack Kithcart (190); Sr. Gavin Mericle (Hwt.); Jr. Carter Drouin (120); Jr. Gabe Basanyi (150); So. Logan Takach (126); So. Thomas Jaust (106); So. Gerard Empirio (150).

Newcomers: Sr. Maddox Abramo (126); Sr. Liam Kilpatrick (190); Sr. Rioghnan Wood (215); Jr. Chase Conklin (144); Jr. Alex Conway (215); So. Tyler Brarman (144); So. John McCarthy (175); So. Kaleb DeFalco (215); Fr. Tommy Bansetter (106); Fr. Sawyer de Waal (138); Fr. Cael Osborn (132); Fr. Luke Tompkins (157); Fr. Travis Vaughn (126).

Outlook: High Point expects to remain competitive.

Kittatinny

Coach: John Gill, 46th season

Last season: 12-11

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Leo Garcia; Sr. Niko Martinez; Sr. Blake Giangrasso; Jr. Justin Bradley; Jr. Trevor Greenwood; Jr. Callum Trilling; Jr. Mike Witowski; So. Kevin White; So. Kyle White.

Newcomers: Sr. Chase Collins; So. Aydan MacArthur; Sr. Brayden Shea; Jr. Ryan Broderick; Jr. Gavin Oldenburg; Jr. Roman Volpe; So. Luis Alicea; So. Carter DiCataldo; So. Jameson Reilly; Fr. Cooper Crawn; Fr. Jake Bloxham.

Outlook: The Cougars are inexperienced, but hope to improve by February.

Lenape Valley/ Hopatcong

Coach: Anthony Grogan, sixth season

Last season: 11-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Alex Bachtler (190); Sr. Kyle Scheel (150); Jr. Aidan Qualtieri (106); Jr. Quinn McCall (126); Jr. Xavier Laplace (138); Jr. Mike Kmec (157); Jr. Adan Lumani (165); Jr. Tyler Greenmeir (175); So. Gian Vega (113); So. Emit Ross (113); So. Hunter Coppolella (120); So. Liam Stout (126); So. David Holeman (144); So. Nate Slader (150); So. Will Dietz (157); So. Jacob Machigua (157); So. Will DiRenzo (Hwt.)

Newcomers: Sr. Ethan Fancher (190); Jr. Kristian Clowes (132); Jr. Danny Santana (Hwt.); So. Danny Eccles (165); Fr. Maddox Hughes (215); Fr. T.J. Howard (106); Fr. Danny Viola (113).

Outlook: The Sussex co-op is deep but lacks experience.

Newton

Coach: Eric Bollette, 25th season

Last season: 11-14, 4-0 NJAC-Colonial champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Tyler Morodan (157); Sr. Jacob McConnell (113); Sr. Ethan Whitesell (126); Jr. Sean Brown (Hwt.); Matt Hibbits (Jr., 190); Jr. Micky Varga (132/138); Jr. Tim McNamara (165); Jr. Braxton Guerra (165); Jr. Joey Melillo (175); So. Ozzy Ciuzio-Pelt (113/120); So. Layne Smith (120)

Newcomers: So. Sal Infinto (150); So. Matt Fisk (165/175); Fr. Wyatt Kreutle (120/126); Fr. Jake McNamara (13/138); Fr. Kyle Gunderman (132/138; Fr. Jaeden Olivo (144); Fr. Jaman McCullough (Hwt.)

Outlook: Newton will celebrate its 100th season on Jan. 30.

Others

Butler

Coach: Timothy Mickens, third season

Last season: 10-14, 4-1 NJIC-Meadowlands

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Williem Juhlin; Sr. Leo Meto; Sr. David Santo; Jr. William Jones; Jr. Dom Tillie; So. Gavin Boasso; So. Brandon Trujillo; So. Ben Peters

Newcomers: So. Ryder Higbie; Fr. Alex Lopez, Fr. Jake Welsh

Outlook: The young Bulldogs hope to compete in the NJIC-Meadowlands.

Delbarton

Coach: Bryan Stoll, 21st season

Last season: 23-4, 5-0 NJAC-American champion; Non-Public A finalist

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Jayden James (157); Sr. Trevor Jones (150); Sr. C.J. Betz (1900; Jr. Cam Sontz (120); Jr. P.J. Terranova (132); Jr. Ryan DeGeorge (138); Jr. Gabe Logan (175); Jr. August Moser (Hwt.); Jr. Jesse DeNegri (190); So. Tommy Marchetti (126); So. Braden Jones (144); So. Nick Schwartz (150); So. Alex Rosciano (113); So. Brody Ismael (175).

Newcomers: Fr. Alex Lopera (106); Fr. Nico Marchetti (113); Fr. Finn Anderson (113); Fr. Ryan Bernholz (175).

Outlook: Delbarton has withdrawn from Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference competition and will not participate in the MCT again this winter.

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Morris/Sussex NJ 2025-26 wrestling team preview capsules