Locals excel in NJSIAA wrestling
by Josh Lashley, Special Writer
HAMILTON — Brandon Cray, a sophomore from Steinert High School, accomplished something this past weekend that many outstanding wrestlers before him were not able to achieve as he earned an NJSIAA Region VII championship in the 106-pound weight class.
The top three finishers in each weight class earn a trip to the State Tournament.
Cray toppled Anthony Foggia (Northern Burlington), 7-0, in the finals of the tournament, which was hosted by Robbinsville High School.
In the semifinals, Cray downed Dylan Hunt from Shawnee on a technical fall. With this victory, Cray will enter the State Tournament beginning today at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City with a record of 37-1.
River Ulrich, a Steinert senior, reached the finals before being edged, 3-2, in a tiebreaker by Tyreek Smith, of Moorestown. Ulrich won by pin in the quarterfinals and a decision in the semifinal round. He enters the States with a record of 31-5.
Despite losing in the quarterfinals, Michael Remboski, also of Steinert, earned a trip to Atlantic City by placing third in the 285 (heavyweight) class. Remboski, a senior, won all three of his matches in the wrestle-backs via pin. He enters the tournament with a 33-6 record. Remboski earned a decision victory over Keith Swartley, of Cinnaminson, in the preliminary round.
Here’s a glance at other local wrestlers who competed in Region VII competition:
Joshua Magee, of Nottingham High School, was defeated by eventual 120-pound Region VII champion Tyler McBride, of Camden Catholic High School, in the quarterfinal round. Magee, a senior, advanced to the second round of the wrestle-backs before losing a close match to third place finisher Brandon Barbella. He finished his senior season with a record of 34-6. Magee was a District 25 champion.
Mathew McDonald, of Steinert, lost a 160-pound quarterfinal match to Julien Faison, of Haddon Heights. McDonald then lost in the first wrestle-back round and finished his senior season with a record of 24-10. He was a District 25 champion.
Hamilton High School West sophomore Chris Stout, also a District 25 champion, lost in the quarterfinals and in the first round of the wrestle-backs in the 170-pound weight class. His record this season was 23-14.
Trott Montina, of Nottingham, finished his junior season at 160 pounds with a record of 24-17. Montina pinned Christian Bello (Delran) in the preliminary round before losing in the quarterfinals and the first wrestle-back round.
Fabian Mora, of Nottingham, was defeated in the preliminary round and finished his sophomore season with a 19-10 record.

