Rams ready to make run at sectional title
South River wrestlers earn top seed in
CJ Group I tourney
South River High School wrestling coach Ian Evanovich can’t really find a down side to his Rams’ 2001-02 campaign.
The Rams entered last weekend’s Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament at 10-2, with its most recent victory a three-point edge over Bishop Ahr. Only losses to South Plainfield, John F. Kennedy of Iselin, and Metuchen (on Tuesday) have marred the season.
"I’m real happy," Evanovich said. "We’re trying to generate more and more interest in the program, and I hope it continues."
The Rams have been anchored by some experienced seniors, as well as a few junior talents.
Senior captain Greg Mongelli boasted a 15-1 record at 152 pounds entering the GMC tourney, where he earned a second seed, while 215-pounder Dan Fodor, also a senior, was 13-1 with a fourth seed.
Junior Rodney Thomas (130) was 13-2 and a No. 4 seed in the GMCs, wrestling in a challenging weight class.
Other solid contributors include junior Vincent Oronio, 10-4 at 119 pounds; junior Alvin Medina, a 125-pounder who was 11-4; senior Pedro Mirasol, who had a fine 12-2 mark in the 171-pound class; and senior Kevin Cole, with 10 victories in 14 outings at 189.
Michael Lipman was also 10-4 at 145 entering the GMCs, while senior captain Steven Zdep was 9-7 at 160, and junior Iuri Pinto had a .500 mark in 16 matches in the 140 division.
As always, there’s a contingent of youngsters whose records may not be impressive, but who have gained valuable mat experience. Evanovich has several freshmen on the varsity, including freshman Chip Perkin at 103 pounds; Andrew O’Hara, filling the 112 slot; Tony Lefever at 135; and at heavyweight, 260-pounder Tom Scanlon.
Evanovich, who is assisted by Jim and Ron Bussey, Tom Gilbert and Bob Young, led SRHS in a Tuesday match against Metuchen that decided the GMC Blue Division title. The Rams entered the contest tied with Metuchen at 4-1 in the division. However, with Metuchen stealing the match, 31-27, the Rams missed their chance at the division title.
Metuchen won the first four matches on Tuesday (which started at 215 pounds), before Aroneo won a 7-3 decision at 119 for the Rams. Metuchen responded with another pair of wins before forfeiting at 135. South River got wins from Lipman (pin at 2:47 of the 145 bout), Mongelli (3-1 win at 152), Mirasol (9-2 win at 171) and a forfeit at 189, but was unable to overcome the early deficit.
With only tomorrow’s match with East Brunswick remaining on the regular season schedule, the Rams are preparing for the upcoming postseason.
"We’re really looking forward to the sectionals on Feb. 12 and 14," said Evanovich. "We hope we’ll be able to do something there."
The Rams earned the top seed in the CJ Group I bracket and will be hosting Highland Park on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The winner will face the winner of the Metuchen (No. 3 seed)-Shore Regional (No. 2 seed) match for the sectional title next Thursday at the highest seeded school.