Mangini, McLaughlin will lead HHS wrestlers

Senior stars expect to reach state podium

By: Rudy Brandl
   The Hillsborough High wrestling program expects to generate a great deal of excitement this winter. The Raiders might even make a little history along the way.
   Veteran head coach Steve Molinaro has seen some talented wrestlers come through his program in the last decade. Two of the best in school history return to the Raider roster this winter.
   HHS seniors John Mangini and Frank McLaughlin comprise one of the state’s most impressive 1-2 punches in the middleweights or anywhere in the lineup. Both grapplers are returning state place-winners at their same weight classes and figure to be in the hunt for something special at the end of the season in Atlantic City.
   Mangini, who finished second at 152 pounds last year, is coming back on a mission. Mangini brings an 84-8 career record into his senior year, with 51 of those victories coming as a Raider wrestler. Mangini, who spent his sophomore year at Blair Academy, already holds the school record for wins by a freshman (36) and tied for the best individual finish by a Hillsborough wrestler last winter. This year, Mangini figures to surpass the 100-win mark and hopes to make school history with an individual state title.
   "He’s making a big effort," Molinaro said. "He’s pretty focused on winning it. You can see what his goals are."
   McLaughlin, at 67-23 for his career, is thinking along the same lines. The 160-pounder finished sixth in the state last winter despite a difficult draw in a very competitive bracket. He’s improved every year and hopes to join his teammates in the 100-win club and state winner’s circle.
   "We’ve seen him climb every year," Molinaro said. "He beat some really good kids and placed in the state. That woke him up to how good he is. He knows he’s in the mix with those guys now."
   While Mangini and McLaughlin will bring much attention to the HHS program, any wrestling team needs more capable performers to contribute in order to be successful. Molinaro expects the Raiders to be much better than last year’s 3-18 squad. Numbers are up slightly and nine starters return with some experience.
   The Goddiess twins, Will and George, return for their sophomore seasons after productive freshman years. Will returns at 135, where he posted a winning record last season. George is back at 145, where he won eight bouts but got hot late and qualified for the Region 5 Tournament.
   "We’re counting on something from them," Molinaro said. "They can take it up a notch from last year. They’re going to surprise some people because they’ve been working all year long."
   Other Raiders returning from last year include senior Andrew DeSanto (119), senior Chris Ambrose (135), junior Luke Dawson (152), sophomore Kenny Lake (189) and sophomore Max Borisenko (215). Molinaro is high on Dawson, who was voted co-captain by his teammates, but has to find a place for him in the lineup.
   "We might maneuver some people to get him into the mix," Molinaro said. "We could juggle and bump people up."
   For the second straight year, the team faces question marks at the low and high ends of the lineup. The Raiders will be operating without a 103-pounder again this winter. Sophomore Jake Hartzog would make a great 112-pounder but he’s been hampered by a back injury. If Hartzog can’t go, that leaves the team with two holes at the start of the lineup.
   Up top, the Raiders have a new recruit in freshman heavyweight Chris Rossi. They’re also young at 215 with Borisenko and freshman Jake Latocha.
   "There’s a wide variance of skill and experience levels," Molinaro said. "We’re going to try to focus on doing a few things really well. We’re so young, but that’s a good thing. We’ve got more kids than last year, but we just don’t have a 103-pounder."
   Twelve freshman are in the program, which is a positive sign for the future. A few, including Matt Milleman (119), Isaac Muck (125), Jared Leon (171), Latocha and Rossi, could make an impact on the varsity squad. Others who expect to contribute for the Raiders include junior Dave Montagna (125), seniors Brian Zebro (130) and James McMahon (140) and junior Kevin Campanale (171).
   "We’re going to be young in spots and they have to grow up real quick," Molinaro said. "We’re getting more numbers, but we’re not getting any of the little kids."
   The Raiders will not be opening the season at the Mount Olive Tournament for the first time in several years. Instead, they will host Conwell Egan (Pa.) and Notre Dame in a tri-meet at 10 a.m. Saturday.