Saley becomes four-time champion
By Ken Weingartner, Special Writer
David Saley is happy to be a four-time District 20 champion, but the Monroe Township High senior is not satisfied with his accomplishments.
Saley, who earlier this year won the Greater Middlesex Conference championship at 152 pounds, was among five Falcons to capture district crowns last weekend and automatically advance to the Region 5 tournament quarterfinals at Hunterdon Central.
Also winning titles were Kyle Jensen (125), Sam Emburgia (135), Hunter Pipala (160) and Marc Tyson (215).
Mike Billitz finished second at 145 in the district and also advanced to Region 5. He dropped a 1-0 decision in Tuesday’s preliminary round and was eliminated from the tourney. He finished the campaign 21-11.
Monroe’s five champs will see action beginning at 5:30 tonight (weather permitting) in the quarterfinals. (If there is a postponement, the event will be held in its entirety Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m.) The top three finishers in each weight class advance to the state tourney in Atlantic City.
Saley won the district title by beating Old Bridge’s Sebastian Bea, 20-13, in the finals.
”I went after my goal and I got it and now I’ve got to go on to the next step and work on that goal,” Saley said. “I feel very confident. I work out really hard. I need to keep my mind where it’s at right now. Each match is the biggest match of your life.”
Saley, who is 31-1, is the third seed at 152 in Region 5. His only loss came against Somerville’s undefeated Micah Blair (who is the region’s No. 1 seed at 145).
”Four district titles is definitely an accomplishment, and I think he’s proud of that, but I think he has higher goals,” Monroe coach Bill Jacoutot Jr. said. “The way he works and the amount of time he puts in, this weekend and — hopefully — next weekend in Atlantic City, that’s what he’s after. We can’t be making claims we want to win (states); let’s just get there first. That’s what he’s trying to do right now.”
Emburgia, who is 28-4, pinned his way to a third consecutive district title and was named the tourney’s Outstanding Wrestler. He is a defending Region 5 champ and the No. 1 seed at 135.
”I think he’s wrestling well,” Jacoutot said. “He’s the favorite. He’s won and been to the state tournament. Sam has his sights set on success in Atlantic City. That’s where he wants to end up. I think he feels good right now, but he’s got some goals for the state tournament.”
Tyson claimed his district championship with an 11-4 win over Sayreville’s Chris Raub and is the top seed at 215. Tyson, who is 30-2, qualified for the state tourney last year.
”Marc’s extremely athletic, but I think he’s tightened up his technique this year,” Jacoutot said. “He’s improved in that regard and seems to be more comfortable with the surroundings.”
Jensen improved to 22-4 by beating East Brunswick’s Matt Paribello, 10-6, for the district title. He is seeded seventh in Region 5 at 125.
”He wrestled poised, which is big for him,” Jacoutot said. “He goes into the region seeded seventh in a very tough weight class, so he’s up against it, but for him to win a district championship is nice.”
Pipala won his district crown with a 9-4 victory over Sayreville’s Gino Schifano. Pipala is 29-3 and seeded fifth at 160 in regions.
”He’s kind of a dark horse,” Jacoutot said. “From the county tournament on, he’s wrestled well. He’s hit his stride. He’s under the radar, but he’s certainly in the mix.”