Ocean grapplers poised
for another big season
BY PAUL SALUS
Staff Writer
The Ocean Township High School wrestling team and head coach Ken Hoff are poised for another solid season in a talent-packed division.
"Expectations are very high for us this season," Hoff said. "We have to stay focused at all times, and come prepared. Our conference is a very tough one, which means we have to do our best at all times."
Ocean opened up its season in the highly competitive Southern Regional and Brick Memorial Tournaments, and has a tough road ahead, with matches with the likes of Christian Brothers Academy, Howell and Raritan looming in the near future.
Hoff knows that his team’s schedule may prohibit some of his less experienced grapplers from posting gaudy win-loss records, but feels that they will reap the rewards of the schedule once the postseason comes around.
"We like to keep our schedule deep and difficult. Even though our conference meets are tough, that doesn’t stop us from scheduling the best out-of-conference meets that we can," Hoff said. "I think this better prepares our guys to compete at the end of the season."
At 103 is junior Frank Gnassi, who Hoff described simply as a fighter.
Sophomore Bam Lopes, at 112, placed second in the district and third in the region last year, and was the only member of the team to make the states last year. He won his class at the Brick Memorial Tournament this season.
At 119 is junior Bret Czerwinski, who placed second in the districts last season and placed fourth at the Brick Memorial tourney this year.
At 125 is freshman Joe Falko, who recorded a big win in Ocean’s win against Freehold, and placed fourth at the Brick tourney.
Sophomore Maverick Nunes-Vais, who is currently in his first year at the varsity level, is wrestling at 130 and recorded a pin against Freehold. At 135 is junior Mike Colalilo, who is also in his first year of varsity competition.
Junior Bobby Willard starts at 140 and is also in his first year of varsity action. He placed third in the Brick Memorial tourney.
"He’s very exciting to watch," Hoff said. "He likes to do a lot of acrobatic moves on the mat."
At 145 is freshman Kyle Kiss, who placed fifth at the Southern Tournament and third at Brick.
Sophomore Chris D’Esposito weighs in at 152 and placed fourth in the districts last season. Also returning from last year’s varsity program is Derrick Davis, who backs up at both 152 and 160.
Freshman Jeff Cisliano wrestles at 160, and had placed third in the Southern Tournament before sustaining an ankle injury and missing the Brick tourney.
Senior Greg Soto, who placed second in the districts last year and second in the Southern tourney, is at 171. Brian Pemberton, also a senior, is a three-time district place-winner, and has placed third and second in Ocean’s two opening tournaments.
At 215 are senior Bob Fox, who placed second in the districts last year, and Brendan Bannon, who is a two-time district place winner. The two share time at this slot and the heavyweight. Also at heavyweight is senior P.J. McLernan.
In addition to the starters, senior A.J. Milmo is expected to get some time at the 140-145 slots, and junior Alex Sher will get some time at 189 as a backup.
Junior Mike Fantini and sophomores Chris Bannon, Kyle Piper and Gaetjens Lezin are also expected to get some varsity time this season.
Ocean faced CBA on Tuesday, and has Howell, Central, and Lenape (Medford, Burlington County) all coming up over the next two weeks (all on the road).
While the Spartans would like to compete for the Shore’s A North title, they also know they have their work cut out for them. A North is loaded this season, with Middletown North and Manalapan already making noise with dominating early-season performances, and Howell and CBA presenting deep, talented teams as well.
Despite the abundance of talent throughout the division, Hoff is confident his team can compete with anyone.
"I think we have the tools to do some special things this year if we put our minds into it," Hoff said. "Once the end of the season rolls around, I think we’ll be prepared to make things happen."

