Despite losing a number of key grapplers from last year’s lineup, the Colonia High School wrestling team should be among the county’s top teams once again. Gone from last year’s 11-6 team is district champion heavyweight Paul Garrett. The team also lost district medal winners Adler Thompson, Mike Monaco, and Ralph Eastman.
“We did lose some key guys, but we should keep heading in the right direction,” Colonia head coach Dan Grasso said. “We always look to improve on the previous season’s win tally, and I think this is possible. Our numbers are way up this year and we have about 33 kids on the team this season. That’s always a good sign.”
The Patriots have an experienced grappler back at 103 pounds as sophomore Richard Tiperato reclaims his spot. Colonia will have more experience at the lower weights with junior Zach Matthis and senior captain Giovanni Racanelli at 112 and 119 pounds, respectively.
“All of them worked really hard in the offseason,” Grasso said. “Zach had 20 wins last season, and we’re expecting him to have a big season. He might be the best wrestler on the team.”
Senior Nick Esposito will continue the trend of upperclassmen at the lower weights at 125.
“Nick is very explosive on the mat,” Grasso said. “His matches can be very exciting to watch. He looks very good right now.”
At the moment, the team is still looking for someone to step forward and claim the 130-pound slot. The team does have some likely candidates. Hopefully, junior Corey Chandler can take care of business at 135 to compensate for the vacancy at 130.
“Corey brings some varsity experience to the mat this year,” Grasso said. “He picked up a number of wins last season filling in wherever we needed him. He appears to have gotten a lot better, and he’s excited to start the season.”
Fellow junior Steven Alamenzar is brand-new to the sport, but appears to have earned himself a spot at 140.
“Steven is a kid I found in the hallway,” Grasso said. “I knew he played football, so I asked him to come out for the team. This is exactly how I was introduced to wrestling, and here I am coaching the sport. Steven has been a fast learner and he’s a really tough kid.”
Captain Anthony Callani earned over 14 wins last season and looks to be successful once again at 145. At 152, senior Brendan
Carroll will have his time to shine after waiting in the wings behind some upperclassmen the past two seasons.
Senior captain Ahmed Bachir tallied over 15 wins last year and appears to be ready to shoot for a 20-win season at 160. His leadership at the upper weights should be an asset and help guide sophomore Steven Silovitch at 171.
“Steven had a good JV season and he beat a number of guys out for the spot,” Grasso said. “He also put in a lot of work over the summer.”
Sophomore Andrew Yamakitis is also up from the JV ranks and will fill the 189- pound position. Seniors Isaac Zamor and Matt Yurek complete the varsity lineup at 215 and heavyweight, respectively.
After opening the season in a tri-meet with Arthur L. Johnson High School and Cranford High School, the Patriots will compete in the East Brunswick Tournament Dec. 30.