MANALAPAN — With a lineup filled with high-profile stars, Jackson High School senior wrestler Russell Wall quietly went about his business and collected big win after big win during the 2004-05 season.
He played a major role in the Jaguars, finishing with a gaudy 20-2 overall mark.
Wall had good enough a year to qualify for last week’s District 21 championships. And as he has all year, he overcame huge odds to post one of the biggest upsets of the event.
Squaring off against the No. 1 seed, Wall got off to a fast start and routinely posted a resounding 11-6 win over Freehold Boro’s George Cuevas at the 152-pound weight class to help Jackson capture its eighth consecutive District 21 crown last Saturday at Manalapan High School.
“He is one of the guys who kind of flew under the radar this season as far as media recognition goes,” Jackson High School coach Scott Goodale said. “But he had a tremendous season. It was great to see him capture this title. This is his first chance to qualify for the District 21 tournament and he took advantage of the opportunity.”
Wall was just one of seven winners for the Jags, who collected a total of 236 points to easily outdistance second-place finisher Howell (132).
The seven winners are the most in school history at a district tournament, Goodale said.
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure how we were going to wrestle after what happened the week before,” Goodale said. “But this team set a goal at the start of the season to win the District 21 title. This time of the year is very important to this squad.”
Wall wrestled a smart match, staying away from Cuevas’ upper body strength, Goodale said.
“He attacked the kid’s legs and stayed away from his power,” Goodale said. “Cuevas is a thrower and he uses his upper body well. Russ got out quick on him and used his head. He really took it to the kid.”
Jackson had another senior who earned his first district title. Bobby Van Volkenberg edged Ben Shapee, of Manalapan, 7-6, at 189 pounds.
“Anytime you can get a senior there and have him win a district title it is kind of special,” Goodale said.
Other first-time winners included junior Matt Bradley (125 pounds), Ron Swann (103), Brian Cohen (112) and Ken Carney (160). Swann defeated Cody Fobes, of Howell, 4-3. Swann avenged two losses to Fobes earlier in the year.
“That’s a huge win for him,” Goodale said. “To come back and beat the kid in an event like this gives you a real satisfied feeling.”
Carney and Cohen both needed overtime to hold off their opponents. Carney stopped Tom Gallicchio, of Freehold Township, 3-1, while Cohen beat Carmin Roth, of Manalapan. Nick Keshecki (119), Sean Byrnes (130) and Glen Booth (135) all finished runner-up.
“We put 10 wrestlers in the final,” Goodale said. “And the three matches we lost, we could have very easily have won. It was a great day for us on the mats. The kids were focused and intense.”
— Mike White