Detsis also earns trip to Atlantic City
By: Rudy Brandl
Andrew Gewain reached one milestone and closed in on another in Saturday’s Region 5 Wrestling Championships at Hunterdon Central.
The senior 103-pounder, the runner-up in last year’s tourney, came from behind to post a thrilling 5-4 decision over Old Bridge junior John Pagnotta for his first region title. Gewain also improved his career record to 99-16, leaving him one victory shy of the coveted century mark.
Gewain will go after No. 100 in Friday night’s opening session of the state championships in Atlantic City. He’s also still in pursuit of Bryan Robinovitz’s all-time school record for total bout victories (105).
"I felt focused and confident," Gewain said. "I’m glad I got a second chance to win this. You don’t always get a second chance."
Gewain also hopes to improve upon his sixth-place state finish in his second trip to Atlantic City. He’ll be joined there by junior 135-pounder Mike Detsis, who claimed third place with a satisfying 3-1 overtime decision against Franklin rival Rusty Hunt.
Detsis avenged his 3-1 loss to Hunt in last weekend’s District 18 finals by winning his final two bouts in the region’s consolation bracket. Detsis was sent there by Piscataway’s top-ranked Kyle Poulsen.
HHS senior heavyweight Antonio D’Amelio came close to earning a spot in A.C. but he dropped a tough 3-2 bout in the consolation finals. D’Amelio finished fourth in the region.
For a full account of all the tournament action, see Thursday’s edition of the Hillsborough Beacon.