Victory over Bridgewater moves Bears over .500
Ritchings’ stellar season has helped Pazinko’s squad stay competitive
BY RICHARD JEROME
Staff Writer
The East Brunswick High School wrestling team has a 5-4 mark thus far, after last weekend’s 37-26 victory over Bridgewater, and coach Glen Pazinko is relatively pleased with the results.
"We’ve lost a couple of close matches, but had some nice victories," he said. "We have a nice mix, with some kids back and some new faces. But some of our kids have battled injuries."
Looking through the weights, senior Chris Onyrcuk, a first-time varsity grappler, is at 103 pounds, where he is making steady progress, despite a sub-.500 record. Soph Kevin Busund, the 112-pounder, also is learning the ropes, while at 119 the Bears have a blue-chipper in 14-2 junior Corey Ritchings.
Todd Maryott, at 125, is a progressing freshman, while senior 130-pounder Carmen Corona is one of the better competitors in his weight class. He finished fifth in the counties last winter.
Sophomore Fabian Pleasant is another of the less-experienced grapplers gaining skill with each match. By contrast, senior captain Tim Ackerman, who finished second in the districts last year, has plenty of mat savvy.
"He’s done a really nice job for us," said Pazinko.
So has junior Jason Shesby at 145, who has just one loss on the year. Junior John Parke is a solid contributor at 152, with Nick Marron, a senior captain, at 160 and another senior captain, Matt Merrigan, at 171 pounds. Dave Ruffner, a junior, is improving at 189, while Tony Ojeil, a junior at 215, and senior heavyweight Steve DeFilippo, who took second in the North Brunswick tourney, are solid.
"We’re hoping our other heavyweight, junior Ralph Danise, will return to the lineup after an injury," adds Pazinko, who has coaching help from Joe Csatari, Andy Scanlon and his brother, Matt Pazinko.
East Brunswick wrestled Woodbridge yesterday, weather permitting, and faces Middletown North on Saturday.
"The next matches might be our first time with a full lineup," Pazinko said. "We’d like to go on to qualify for the sectionals and place in the counties and districts."