YOUTH WRESTLING
Jack Donnadio capped an undefeated season (19-0) at the Central Jersey Midget League Wrestling Championships in Kenilworth by capturing the 67-pound weight class. Donnadio shut out each of his opponents from Cranford, South Plainfield and Watchung Hills on his way to the title, and led the Raiders to an impressive sixth-place finish out of 22 teams.
Teammate Cory Glinsky joined Donnadio in the finals at 73 pounds after stunning the No. 1 seed from Cranford in the quarterfinals, and then the No. 3 seed from Bridgewater in the semifinals. Although Glinsky fell short of a title, losing 1-0 under the lights, his memorable tournament run sparked the Raiders to an outstanding day of wrestling, which concluded with nine Hillsborough wrestlers on the podium.
At 95 pounds, Rhiannon Accetta became the highest female place winner in league history by securing a bronze medal in defeating four of her five male opponents. Accetta lost 2-0 in the semifinals, but defeated wrestlers from Scotch Plains, Flemington, South Plainfield and Roselle Park along the way.
Tanner Johnson earned a bronze medal as well, by avenging a late dual meet season loss at 70 pounds with a 4-2 decision over a state place-winner from Watchung Hills. Johnson finished the tournament with three wins and one loss.
At 80 pounds, Brandon Van Doren closed out a terrific final season with a solid fourth place finish and 14-5 overall record. Devin Boylan also scored important team points for the Raiders by battling all day long in a loaded 102-pound weight class for a fifth place finish; and newcomer Raymond O’Callghan continued to look impressive with his fifth place showing at 53 pounds. Anthony Donnadio (57) and Shane Murphy (85) found their way to the podium as well with hard-fought sixth place finishes.
Meanwhile, in South Plainfield, Michael Dooley captured his first Raritan Valley League title at 70 pounds with convincing wins over opponents from Branchburg, Manville and Ridge. Ryan Geogheghan then capped a stellar year by earning a well-deserved silver medal and his 10th win of the season at 73 pounds. Both wrestlers should play a major role on the varsity team next season. Additionally, first year wrestler Cole Psemenecki claimed a bronze medal at 45 pounds and Matt Williams, Maurcio Guerrero and Apruva Swapril placed fourth in their respective weight classes.