The Metuchen Grapplers Wrestling Club sixth-grade & under team has suffered defeats during the last several matches.
In Fords on Feb. 7, Mickey Ladines (96 pounds) was the only Grappler to win his match, earning a 9-8 decision. In Piscataway the following day, Troy Mallory (60 pounds) was the only winner for Metuchen, with an 8-0 decision.
On Feb. 10, the Grapplers lost to Hazlet, but James Rasmuessen (85) and Mickey Ladines (95) both pinned their opponents in the first period, Ladines in 13 seconds and Rasmuessen in 47 seconds, to earn 16 team points. In a 22-66 loss to North Edison, Troy Mallory pinned Chris Dorelen in 35 seconds, and Jake Freed (67) pinned Darius Miller in the second period. Steven Donahue (90) won a 5-2 decision over Robert Kraynak. In an exhibition match, novice wrestler Matthew Scapardine (100) defeated Bobby Delmonico 11-8.
Winning their last two matches, the Grapplers came back to finish their season with a 6-4 record.
In Sayerville on Feb. 17, the Grapplers won 42-31. Mallory (60) and Lucas Dalfonsi (80) both earned 9-0 decisions. Rasmuessen won his match 2-1, Donahue won a 14-2 decision, while Kevin Walsh (120) defeated his opponent 15-1.
Ending their season at home against Woodbridge, the Grapplers went out with a 70-14 win. John Yunckes (53), Mallory, John Doukas (67), Alex Kish (76), Dalfonsi, Donahue and Walsh all ended the season with a pin. Rasmuessen and Ladines both won their matches by decision.
This has been the best season for the sixth-grade & under Grappler team in many years. The Grapplers brought home nine medals and the team placed fifth overall at the Mid-Jersey B League Tournament held Feb. 22 in Sayerville. Mallory, who was undefeated for the day, earned a first-place medal. David Hills (110) and Kevin Walsh received second-place honors. First-year wrestler, Yunckes, along with Stephen Walsh and Dalfonsi placed third, while Rasmuessen, Ladines and Michael Hanson all garnered fourth-place awards.
The official end of the Grapplers season will be March 14 when the club hosts their 22nd annual Novice Tournament at Metuchen High School.
The team wishes to thank Applebee’s on Route 1, Edison, for their generous sponsorship of the team during this winning season. On April 24 Applebee’s will host the wrestlers and their families for the Metuchen Grapplers Wrestling Club Breakfast Awards Banquet.