Mangini, Detsis, Jastrzebski also advance to Atlantic City
By: Rudy Brandl
Phil Lavoie has come a long way since last wrestling season.
The Hillsborough High senior 189-pounder, just 13-16 last winter, completed a remarkable journey by winning his first Region 5 title Saturday afternoon at the Hunterdon Central Fieldhouse in Flemington.
Lavoie accomplished his great feat in remarkable fashion, overcoming a one-point deficit with a reversal and pin of Piscataway’s Chris Jones in the closing seconds. Lavoie decked Jones with just five seconds showing on the clock at 5:55.
"It’s a great feeling," Lavoie said. "I’ll never forget what it feels like to be on top like this."
Two of Lavoie’s teammates lost in the championship round and settled for second. Freshman John Mangini (112) suffered his first loss of the season, an 11-7 decision against Pingry’s Max Shanaman in a rematch of last week’s District 18 final. Senior Mike Detsis (140) dropped an 8-3 decision to Danny Collins of Woodbridge.
Lavoie, Mangini, Detsis and senior 160-pounder Pat Jastrzebski, who finished third, will make the trip to Atlantic City for next weekend’s NJSIAA Championships. Lavoie will receive a first-round bye, while the other three Raiders must win a match to reach the state quarterfinals.
HHS veteran head coach Steve Molinaro was also named Region 5 Coach of the Year for the first time.
For a full account of all the tournament action, see Thursday’s edition of the Hillsborough Beacon.