By Jimmy Allinder
In the NJSIAA District 20 wrestling tournament Feb. 19-20, East Brunswick High School 120-pounder Mark Schleifer scored a 4-3 decision over Stephen Nadera of Old Bridge High School, earning the Bears’ junior the competition’s Best Wrestler Award.
Other area wrestlers who won gold medals were at 106 pounds: Mitchell Polito (East Brunswick), major decision over Jake Wiatroski (Old Bridge), 10-0; 126 pounds: Nick Lombard (Monroe Township High School), 6-3 decision over Alec Gleason (East Brunswick); and 160 pounds: Jared Parisen (Monroe), pin in 1:16 over Jason Minikel (East Brunswick).
Other area runners-up include Donald Albach (Monroe), 138 pounds; Shea Obado (Spotswood High School), 145 pounds; Damian Ruiz (East Brunswick), 195 pounds; Nick Goff (Monroe), 220 pounds; and Lou Ceras (Monroe), 285 pounds.
Consolation finishers to advance to the region tournament Feb. 24-27 at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in addition to the first- and second-place medalists include Nick DePalma (Monroe), 106 pounds; Ryan Carver (Monroe), 132 pounds; Quinn Ciesielski (South River High School), 160 pounds; Matt Miskanic (East Brunswick), 170 pounds; Kaylon Bradley (Monroe), 182 pounds; and Taylor Tiongson (East Brunswick), 220 pounds.