The future looks strong for the Sayreville War Memorial High School wrestling team, based on a stellar showing so far this summer.
New coach John Denuto has his Bombers participating in a summer program where Sayreville currently owns an 18-4 record. Denuto’s grapplers just finished 7-1 at the recent Old Bridge duals. Previously, the Bombers were 4-0 at the Madison duals and went 7-3 in dual competition at a five-day camp at The College of New Jersey, Ewing.
“We’re still a pretty young team, and each of our guys wrestled in about 30 matches,” Denuto said. “It’s like a mini-season, and the experience will definitely help them during our regular season.”
Five Sayreville competitors have compiled 20 or more wins this summer — Eric Tsang, at 125 pounds; George Kosanovich, 135; Scott Poore, 140; Tom Danielson, 145; and Mike Velardi, 189. In addition, Mike DeLuco, a sophomore, won 19 times at 150 pounds. Tsang and Poore, both juniors, and Danielson and Velardi, a pair of seniors, all won District 20 titles for the Bombers last winter.
Other members of the team include seniors George Cardona, 171, and John Lawlor, heavyweight; juniors James Beshada, 130, and Robert Borzerelli, 215; sophomores Rhett Fisher at 140, Jared Christiansen, 145, Mike Knight, 160, and Frank Velardi, 160; and freshman Ramon Santiago, 119.
“This is the first time we’ve done a summer program, and the results are encouraging,” Denuto said. “I’m seeing a lot of hard work and improvement. It’s something I’d like to continue.”
Denuto is a former Sayreville wrestler who graduated in 1994. He took the wrestling reins in May and formally rejoins his alma mater this September as a special education teacher. He taught previously at Freehold Township High School.
— Warren Rappleyea