Sport Shorts

Manalapan Youth wrestlers Logan Waller, Christian Isabella, Christopher Maksimik and Joe Mendez were crowned Mid-Jersey League champions at their respective weight classes for 2009. In all, 15 Manalapan Mat Rats earned medals at the season-ending tournament.

Mendez completed the season undefeated and recorded seven pins.

Paul Santamarco, Jake Becker, Steven Chandler, Jake Elias, Nico Santorelli, Jake Caballaro, Drew Gross, Jake Gross, Alex Baran, Jake Feldman and Jacob Nelson finished as runner-ups with one loss each.

“This season has been very encouraging,” said Coach Pat Brown. “We have a tremendous group of kids who now have the opportunity to triple their time on the mats by next year’s winter season.”

The program is opening a spring session for all levels of experience that will include several clinics provided by nationally renowned instructors. Another similar session will take place in the fall and the team will likely compete in two leagues next winter.

“We’re literally bringing in All-American wrestlers to work with our kids and we already have one of the best coaches around in Ethan Waller,” said Brown. “So I’m excited for the kids. Wrestling is about respect, discipline and commitment, but winning is fun and we like having fun.”