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Gatti honored as Outstanding Wrestler

Published in Echoes-Sentinel - March 4, 2004

Watchung Hills' Mike Gatti was chosen the Outstanding Wrestler of the District XII competition that was contested at South Plainfield on Friday and Saturday. Gatti was one of seven Warriors who will continue on the "Road to the Gold" in the Region III tournament this weekend with the hopes of earning a trip to Atlantic City on March 12 to 14 when 14 grapplers will be crowned state champions on the boardwalk. Gatti, who has moved up six weight classes in two seasons, won his third straight title by recording back-to-back technical falls. In the 160-pound title bout, he dominated Joe Bozzomo of Middlesex, registering a 21-6 teachnical fall two seconds into the third period. Tyler Riccio wrestled to a 6-0 win over Billy Ashnault of South Plainfield in the 112-pound championship bout to pick up the Warriors' first gold medal. Alex Caruso posted a 7-3 decision over South Plainfield's Paul Ritchey in the 145-pound weight class and Mark Kearsing coasted to a 12-3 majority decision over Jared Muldin of Plainfield. Shane Riccio settled for the silver medal in the 130-pound competition when he dropped a 2-1 squeaker to South Plainfield's Sam Martin. Alex Plotkin was runnerup in the 215-pound weight class, losing in the title round to South Plainfield's Rob Maistickle by a 4-1 score. Heavyweight Steve Reif qualified for the regional tournament by defeating Bobby Fink of New Providence 4-3 in the 275-pound consolation matchup. NJSIAA District XII Team Scores: 1. South Plainfield 250; 2. New Providence 174; 3. Watchung Hills 128; 4. Middlesex 110; 5. North Plainfield 82; 6. Colonia 64; 7. Plainfield 46; 8. Governor Livingston 32. Championship Finals 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Billy Ashnault (South Plainfield) 6-0 130-Pounds: Sam Martin (South Plainfield) dec. Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) 2-1 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) dec. Paul Ritchey (South Plainfield) 7-3 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) tech. fall Joe Bozzomo (Middlesex) 21-6, 4:02 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Jared Muldin (Plainfield) 12-3 215-Pounds: Rob Maistickle (South Plainfield) dec. Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) 4-1 Consolation Third Place Finals 275-Pounds: Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) dec. Bobby Fink (New Providence) 4-3 Semifinals 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) pin Kevin Fedison (New Providence) 4:05 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Brian Arpaia (New Providence) 3-1 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Robert Ellery (Middlesex) 10-1 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) tech. fall Matt Sharkey (Governor Livingston) 16-11, 2:58 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) dex. Lew Porchiazzo (Colonia) 11-5 215- Pounds: Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) d. Lee Barinov (Colonia) 4-2. 275-Pounds: Chad Lasala (Middlesex) p. Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) 1:07 Quarterfinals 103-Pounds: Rob Coughlin (Governor Livingston) maj. dec. Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 13-1 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) bye 119-Pounds: Dave Phimsipasom (North Plainfield) dec. Steve Black (Watchung Hills) 6-4 125-Pounds: Yakibir Cobb (North Plainfield) pin Robert Scriffiano (Watchung Hills) 1:42 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) bye 135-Pounds: Steven Hompesch (Middlesex) pin Chris Jessen (Watchung Hills), :57 140-Pounds: Pete DeAndrea (South Plainfield) pin Brian Murphy (Watchung Hills), 3:00 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) pin Ricardo Christmas (Plainfield) 1:20 152-Pounds: Tom Heteji (North Plainfield) pin Mike Capella (Watchung Hills) 1:22 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) bye 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) bye 189-Pounds: Brian Reilly (Middlesex) pin Paul Lee (Watchung Hills) 3:29 215-Pounds: Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) bye. 275-Pounds: Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) bye

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Warriors decision Canucks on mat

Published in Echoes-Sentinel - February 26, 2004

Watchung Hills dominated the upper weights, recording four falls in the top five weight divisions in defeating North Plainfield 45-30. The "Road to the Gold" begins Friday with the 32 NJSIAA District tournaments and concludes on the boardwalk in Atlantic City on March 14. Mike Gatti (160), Mark Kearsing (171), Alex Plotkin (215) and Steve Reis (275) produced pins for the Warriors as did Tyler Riccio (112), Robert Scriffiano (125), Brian Murphy (140) and Alex Caruso (145). J.P. Stevens pulled ouy a 38-27 victory over the Warriors in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group IV team championships contested in Edison on Thursday. The Riccio brothers. Shane and Tyler, posted pins for the Warriors as did Gatti. In the sectional semifinals on Tuesday, Watchung Hills and Woodbridge finished in a 31-31 deadlock after 14 bouts. "We won the tiebreaker on the third criteria by building up a 2-1 advantage in technical falls," said head coach Dan Smith. "The win advanced us to the sectional final." The first criteria was wins and both teams claimed victories in seven bouts. The second was pins and both had two with Shane Riccio (135) and Mark Kearsing (171) recording the Warriors' falls. Tyler Riccio (112) and Mike Gatti (160) posted the technical falls for Watchung Hills. Watchung Hills (15-5) 45 - North Plainfield (10-8) 30 103-Pounds: Mike Sarfati (North Plainfield) dec. Ryan Stewart (Watchung Hills 8-6 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) pin Thomas Ramos (North Plainfield) 2:57 119-Pounds: Dave Phimsicasom (North Plainfield) dec. Steve Black (Watchung Hills) 8-1 125-Pounds: Robert Scriffiano (Watchung Hills) pin Yakavbir Cobb (North Plainfield) 4:53 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Ed Walaski (Norrh Plainfield) 1-0 135-Pounds: Elmer Mayorga (North Plainfield) won by forfeit 140-Pounds: Brian Murphy (Watchung Hills) pin Yasin Cobb (North Plainfield) 1:52 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) pin Mike Doran (North Plainfield) 3:52 152-Pounds: Tom Heteji (North Plainfield) pin Art Custudio (Watchung Hills) 3:05 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) pin Miguel Mayorga (North Plainfield) :57 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) pin Ib Hussain (North Plainfield) 2:47 189-Pounds: Nelson Puentes (North Plainfield) pin Derick Lopez (Watchung Hills) 3:29 215-Pounds: Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) pin David Cao (North Plainfield) 1:41 275-Pounds: Steve Reis (Watchung Hills) pin Richard Pego (North Plainfield) 1:54 NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group IV Finals J.P. Stevens (13-2) 38 - Watchung Hills (14-5) 27 103-Pounds Rob Landicho (J.P. Stevens) maj. dec. Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 14-1 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) pin Moses Tam (J.P. Stevens) 3:41 119-Pounds: Jeff Zannetti (J.P. Stevens) won by forfeit 125-Pounds: Hamilton Cook (J.P. Stevens) pin Steve Block (Watchung Hills) 2:47 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) pin Travis McCarthy (J.P. Stevens) 2:18 135-Pounds: Anthony Howard (J.P. Stevens) pin Shawn Guerra (Watchung Hills) 5:39 140-Pounds: Will Miehe (J.P. Stevens) maj. dec. Brian Murphy (Watchung Hills) 15-3 145-Pounds: Mike Hook (J.P. Stevens) dec. Cory Aldrich (Watchung Hills) 7-6 152-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) dec. Anthony Maffucci (J.P. Stevens) 6-0 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) pin Matt Van Orden (J.P. Stevens) 1:09 171-Pounds: Adam Chomlinsky (J.P. Stevens) pin Paul Lee (Watchung Hills) 5:36 189-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) dec. Tom Wilkinson (J.P. Stevens) 4-2 215-Pounds: Steve Martini (J.P. Stevens) dec. Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) 7-2 275-Pounds: Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) dec. Pavil Stuchinski (J.P. Stevens) 4-2 NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group IV Semifinals Watchung Hills 31 - Woodbridge 31 103-Pounds: T.J. Ratajczak (Woodbridge) dec. Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 6-4 OT 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) tech. fall Gary Griffin (Woodbridge) 15-0, 5:55 119-Pounds: Justin Kitchen (Woodbridge) maj. dec. Steve Black (Watchung Hills) 14-0 125-Pounds: Robert Scriffiano (Watchung Hills) dec. Justin Nerney (Woodbridge) 10-4 130-Pounds: Damien Mangine (Woodbridge) pin Shawn Guerra (Watchung Hills) 1:37 135-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) pin Billy Patten (Woodbridge) 1:02 140-Pounds: Kyle Bialick (Woodbridge) pin Brian Murphy (Watchung Hills) 1:43 145-Pounds: Alex Caurso (Watchung Hills) dec. Danny Collins (Woodbridge) 7-2 152-Pounds: Andrew Sloben (Woodbridge) dec. Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) 11-6 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) tech. fal Rey Santiago (Woodbridge) 19-4, 4:37 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) pin Rich Santiago (Woodbridge) 3:04 189-Pounds: Brad Kotuski (Woodbridge) maj. dec. Paul Lee (Watchung Hills) 11-2 215-Pounds: Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) dec. Josh Bernard (Woodbridge) 8-4 275-Pounds: Dean Takacs (Woodbridge) tech. fall Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) 20-5, N/T

Warriors will host mat tourney on 2/17

Published in Echoes-Sentinel - February 12, 2004

Watchung Hills is one of only six teams that have qualified to compete for the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group IV team title. The Warriors have been seeded No. 2 and will host two matches on Tuesday, February 17. Sixth-seeded Linden will battle No. 3 Woodbridge in a quarterfinal matchup in Warren with the winner advancing to challenge the Warriors in a semifinal confrontation later that evening. The sectional title will be decided on February 19 on the mat of the higher remaining seeded team. J.P. Stevens is the top seed and will battle the survivor of a meeting between No. 5 Union and fourth-seeded Perth Amboy. On Saturday, the Warriors defeated Christian Brothers Academy 33-27. Mike Gatti registered the only fall for the Warriors when he packed up and planted Charles Levy 31 seconds into the 171-pound bout. Following the CBA confrontation, the Warriors dropped a 39-28 decision to Manchester Township. Gatti moved down to the 160-pound weight class and decked Matt Heinis with two seconds remaining in the middle period. A bout earlier, Alex Caruso turned John Sheehan to his back and touched his shoulder blades to the mat with 57 seconds left in the 152-pound clash. On Wednesday, the Warriors edged Bridgewater-Raritan 36-33, highlighted by a 47 pin executed by Shane Riccio over Chris Aboosamara in the 130-pound weight class. Manchester Township (11-3) 39 - Watchung Hills (13-3) 28 103-Pounds: Joe Schmidt (Manchester) pin Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 1:47 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) won by forfeit 119-Pounds: Steve Black (Watchung Hills) dec. Jon Moroz (Manchester) 3-1 125-Pounds: Chris McIntyre (Manchester) pin Robert Scriffiano (Watchung Hills) 3:48 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Phil DeLivia (Manchester) 9-4 OT 135-Pounds: Tim Moroz (Manchester) pin Sean Guerra (Watchung Hills) :39 140-Pounds: Bill Meaney (Manchester) pin Brian Murphy (Watchung Hills) :18 145-Pounds: Rob Prendimano (Manchester) dec. Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) 6-4 152-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) pin John Sheehan (Manchester) 3:07 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) pin Matt Heinis (Manchester) 3:58 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Paul Wehnberg (Manchester) 11-1 189-Pounds: Kevin Thompson (Manchester) dec. Paul Lee (Watchung Hills) 13-9 215-Pounds: Kevin Malace (Manchester) pin Derrick Lopez (Watchung Hills) 2:44 275-Pounds: Mike Gobbo (Mamchester) dec. Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) 2-1 2 OT Watchung Hills (13-2) 33 - Christian Brothers Academy (5-7) 27 103-Pounds: John Manafra (Christian Brothers) maj. dec. Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 7-0 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. James Beshada (Christian Brothers) 6-4 119-Pounds: Steve Black (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Steve Piscione (Christian Brothers) 12-2 125-Pounds: Dave Charichello (Christian Brothers) pin Robert Scriffiano (Watchung Hills) 4:37 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Anthony Charichello (Christian Brothers) 6-6, 2 OT (rideout criteria). 135-Pounds: Charles Fabia (Christian Brothers) pin Shawn Guerra (Watchung Hills) 1:15 140-Pounds: Anthony DeLeo (Christian Brothers) pin Ryan Murphy (Watchung Hills) 5:09 145-Pounds: Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) dec Eddie Boehar (Christian Brothers) 6-4 152-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Ollie Ferraro (Christian Brothers) 15-2 160-Pounds: C.J. Ferrara (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Michael Verga (Christian Brothers) 21-7 171-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) pin Charles Levy (Christian Brothers) :31 189-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) dec. Chris Caputo (Christian Brothers) 9-3 215-Pounds: Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) dec. Brian Delle Donne (Christian Brothers) 11-5 275-Pounds: Michael Bell (Christian Brothers) pin Steve Reis (Watchung Hills) 4:19 Watchung Hills (11-2) 36 - Bridgewater-Raritan (5-7) 33 103-Pounds: Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Andrew Conkin (Bridgewater-Raritan) 12-1 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Adam Friedman (Bridgewater-Raritan( 2-0 119-Pounds: Dan Boernio (Bridgewater-Raritan) pin Steve Black (Watchung Hills) 3:01 125-Pounds: Jeff Ruggini (BridgewaterRaritan) dec. Robert Scriffiano (Watchung Hills) 6-4 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) pin Chris Aboosamara (Bridgewater-Raritan) :47 135-Pounds: Ben Conkin (Bridgewater-Raritan) pin Shawn Guerra (Watchung Hills) 1:00 140-Pounds: Drew Ides (Bridgewater-Raritan) pin Ryan Murphy (Watchung Hills) :49 145-Pounds: Harry Aldrich (Watching Hills) pin Noah Hercki (Bridgewater-Raritan) 1:48 152-Pounds: Alex Carruso (Watchung Hills) won by forfeit 160-Pounds: C.J. Ferrara (Watchung Hills) pin Matt Flood (Bridgewater-Raritan) 5:42 171-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) tech. fall Tom Orrico (Watchung Hills) 28-13, 4:53 189-Pounds: John Rothman (Bridgewater-Raritan) dec. Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) 9-6 215-Pounds: Roy Dragon (Bridgewater-Raritan) pin Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) 1:46 275-Pounds: Tony D'Odigio (Bridgewater-Raritan) dec. Steve Reis (Watchung Hills) 15-10

Warriors flatten 3 foes

Published in Echoes-Sentinel - January 22, 2004

Head coach Dan Smith’s grapplers rolled over three opponents during the week to raise their overall record to 7-1. Mike Gatti led the charge, raising his unbeaten record at 160-pounds to 13-0. Shane Riccio, the 135-pounder and Mark Kearsing who handles the 171-pound weight class, both improved to 13-1 while 145-pounder Alex Caruso upped his record to 12-1. At 112-pounds, Tyler Riccio has put together a 12-2. "These five have been outstanding so far and have been a pleasure to coach," said Smith. Chris Valerio gained the distinction of registering the fastest fall of the week when the Warriors’ 103-pounder showed Franklin’s Joel Snitzer the gym lights 44 seconds into the match. On Saturday, the Warriors posted a 46-25 win over North Hunterdon with the Riccios, Tyler and Shane, turning in pins along with Caruso and Steve Reif, the Warriors’ heavyweight. In addition to Valerio, the Riccio brothers, Caruso and Gatti packed up and planted their opponents from Franklin on Wednesday to key a 50-20 victory in the Battle of the Warriors. Last Monday, January 12, Watchung Hills edged Seton Hall Prep 31-30 in an independent matchup. Carl Aldrich recorded the only pin for the Warriors’ when he turned Roger Desrivieres on his back and touched his shoulder blades to the mat 53 seconds into the second period of the 152-pound match. Watchung Hills 46 - North Hunterdon 25 103-Pounds: Levondowski (North Hunterdon) pinned Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 2:20 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) pinned Andrew Boyle (North Hunterdon) 3:37 119-Pounds: Dennis Boyle (North Hunterdon) maj. dec. Black (Watchung Hills) 11-1 125-Pounds: Jim Romano (North Hunterdon) maj. dec. Rob Scriffiano (Watchung Hills) 13-3 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) pinned Baker (North Hunterdon) 3:37 135-Pounds: Steve Delvecchio (North Hunterdon) tech. fall Chris Jessen (Watchung Hills) 23-6, 4:50 140-Pounds: Alex Massimo (North Hunterdon) pinned Guerro (Watchung Hills) 1:51 145-Pounds: Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Rob Grambor (North Hunterdon) 8-0 152-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) pinned Anthony Sciaretta (North Hunterdon) :54 160-Pounds: Mark Gatti (Watchung Hills) won by forfeit 171-Pounds: C.J. Ferraro (Watchung Hills) dec. Vin Catullo (North Hunterdon) 8-6 OT 189-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) dec. Dan Leask (North Hunterdon) 7-2 215-Pounds: Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) won by forfeit 275-Pounds: Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) pinned Plaisted (North Hunterdon) 3:10 Watchung Hills (6-1) 50 - Franklin (3-4) 20 103-Pounds: Chris Valerio (Watchung Hills) pin Joel Snitzer (Franklin) :44 112-Pounds: Jon Cancel (Franklin) dec. Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 6-4 119-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) pin Otto Boutin (Franklin) 2:52 125-Pounds: Rob Scriffiano (Watchung Hills) won by forfeit 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) pin Derrell Schenck (Franklin) 1:20 135-Pounds: Rusty Hunt (Franklin) pin Chris Jessen (Watchung Hills) 3:40 140-Pounds: James Kantor (Franklin) won by forfeit 145-Pounds: Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) dec. Eric Tibok (Franklin) 8-3 152-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) pin Leon White (Franklin) 3:00 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) pin Kevin Gomberg (Franklin) 1:22 171-Pounds: C.J. Ferarra (Watchung Hills) tech. fall Randy Jackson (Franklin) 16-0, 4:58 189-Pounds: Mark Kersing (Watchung Hills) dec. Alton Terry (Franklin) 7-1 215-Pounds: Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) dec. Trimaine McEwen (Franklin) 11-6 275-Pounds: Jason Acquaye (Franklin) tech. fall Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) 20-2, 4:10 Watchung Hills 31 - Seton Hall Prep 30 103-Pounds: Ryan (Seton Hall Prep) dec. Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 2-0 OT 112-Pounds: Eidel SH won by forfeit 119-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Ramos (Seton Hall Prep) 7-1 125-Pounds: Black (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Ken Guznay (Seton Hall Prep) 9-1 130-Pounds: Steve Guznay SH pinned Rob Scriffiano WH 1:56 135-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) tech. fall Mekkawy (Seton Hall Prep) 17-1, 5:52 140-Pounds: Antronucci (Seton Hall Prep) won by forfeit 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills dec. Decker (Seton Hall Prep) 8-3 152-Pounds: Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) pinned Roger Desrivieres (Seton Hall Prep) 2:53 160-Pounds: C.J. Ferraro (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Czarny (Seton Hall Prep) 14-4 171-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) dec. DiLeo (Seton Hall Prep) 7-6 2 OT 189-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) dec. DelVecchio (Seton Hall Prep) 5-4 215-Pounds: Birchler (Seton Hall Prep) dec. Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) 9-5 275-Pounds: D'Amico (Seton Hall Prep) pinned Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) 1:46

Warriors topple Dieruff and North Penn of Pennsylvania

Published in Echoes-Sentinel - January 15, 2004

Head coach Dan Smith's Waarriors ventured into the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on Saturday and came away with a pair of impressive victories over Dieruff and North Penn. Earlier in the week, the Warriors dropped their first dual match of the season, losing a 43-28 decision to Skyland Conference rival Hunterdon Central. Mike Gatti registered the fastest fall of the week when he decked Hunterdon Central's 28 seconds into their 152-pound bout. Gatti added a 59 second pin against Dieruff's Thomas Ohanian in the 160-pound weight division. Other pins in under one minute were posted by Ryan Stuart (36 seconds against Dieruff), Adam Plotkin (52 seconds against North Penn) and Matt Kearsing (55 seconds against Dieruff). Watchung Hills 47 - North Penn (PA) 26 103-Pounds: Mike Pardoski (NP) tech. fall Ryan Stuart (WH) 5:58. 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (WH) pin Mike Cooker (NP) 2:59 119-Pounds: Steve Black (WH) dec. Mark Kwortnic (NP) 4-1. 125-Pounds: Matt Reimel (NP) pin Robert Scriffiano (WH) 1:34 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (WH) pin John Prykowski (NP) 2:30 135-Pounds: Eddie Hill (NP) pin Chris Jessen (WH) 2:26 140-Pounds: John Dale (NP) won by forfeit 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (WH) pin Jake Hartman (NP) 1:10 152-Pounds: C.J. Ferarra (WH) tech. fall Alex Reeb (NP) 16-0, 3:15 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (WH) pin Weston Welch (NP) 3:59 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (WH) dec. Dave Huttanus (NP) 7-2 189-Pounds: Chris Norsworthy (NP) dec. Paul Lee (WH) 4-2 215-Pounds: Alex Plotkin (WH) pin Steve Dempsey (NP) :52 275-Pounds: Steve Reif (WH) won by forfeit Watchung Hills 56 - Dieruff (PA) 9 103-Pounds: Ryan Stuart (WH) pin Sam Mooney (D) :36 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (WH) dec. Chris Sallit (D) 5-2 119- No Match 125-Pounds: Steve Black (WH) pin Joe Mamari (D) 1:14 130-Pounds: Chris Jessen (WH) maj. dec. Mike Hanna (D) 10-0 135-Pounds: Shane Riccio (WH) pin Brad Smith 1:09 140-Pounds: Jose Lugo (D) won by forfeit 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (WH) won by forfeit 152-Pounds: Cary Aldrich (WH) maj. dec. Tony Ortiz (D) 14-0 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (WH) pin Thomas Ohanian (D) :59 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (WH) pin Mike Vazquez (D) :55 189-Pounds: Paul Lee (WH) pin Danny McKinney (D) 1:47 215-Pounds: Alex Plotkin (WH) dec. Jared Glass (D) 5-3 275-Pounds: Jose Colon (D) dec. Steve Reif (WH) 9-5. Hunterdon Central 43 - Watchung Hills 28 103-Pounds: Strizki (HC) pin Ryan Stuart (WH) 1:31 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (WH) won by forfeit 119-Pounds: Lavoie (HC) dec. Steve Black (WH) 9-7 OT 125-Pounds: Bistis (HC) maj. dec. Chris Jessen (WH) 12-0 130-Pounds: Shane Riccio (WH) maj. dec. Maddalena (HC) 14-0 135-Pounds: N. Alparone (HC) pin Robert Scriffiano (WH) 1:25 140-Pounds: Nettuno (HC) pinned Shawn Guerra (WH) :17 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (WH) maj. dec. Karimattam (HC) 14-2 152-Pounds: Mike Gatti (WH) pin Quinn (HC) :28 160-Pounds: Harrington (HC) pinned C.J. Ferrara (WH) :57 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (WH) tech. fall Duputs (HC) 16-1, 4:19 189-Pounds: Somma HC pinned Lee WH 2:16 (43-25) 215-Pounds: Adam Plotkin (WH) dec. McWhorter (HC) 3-2 275-Pounds: Keyes (HC) pin Steve Reif (WH) 1:09

Warriors sweep in tri-meet

Published in Echoes-Sentinel - January 8, 2004

Watchung Hills opened its regular season mat schedule with wins over Somerville and Warren Hills in Skyland Conference competitions on Saturday in Warren Hills. The Warriors defeated the Pioneers 40-37 and handed the Blue Streaks a 33-30 setback. Tyler Riccio played a key role in both victories. Competing in the 112-pound weight class that was the 13th of 14 bouts against both teams, Riccio came through with wins that gave the Warriors the team verdicts. Against Somerville’s Billy Vanderhof, he totally dominated the action, winning a technical fall by a score of 15-0. Against Sean Smith of Warren Hills, he posted a 4-1 decision. Mike Gatti captured fastest fall of the week honors among the Warriors. He needed on 15 seconds to pack up and pin Warren Hills’ Sean Kennedy in their 171-pound bout. Watchung Hills 40 - Somerville 37 103-Pounds: Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) pin Joe Ricevuto (Somerville) 1:24 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) tech. fall Billy Vanderhoof (Somerville) 15-0, N/T 119-Pounds: Kyle Sutphen (Somerville) pin Theo Eguia (Watchung Hills) :57 125-Pounds: Ed Nully (Somerville) pinned Steve Black (Watchung Hills) 2:32 130-Pounds: Kyle Ferris (Somerville) pinned Chris Jessen (Watchung Hills) :37 135-Pounds: Steve Kraska (Somerville) won by forfeit 140-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) tech. fall James Santamaria (Somerville) 18-2, 4:47 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) pin Tom Spinelli (Somerville) 1:40 152-Pounds: Dom Distano (Somerville) dec. Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) 7-2 160-Pounds: C.J. Ferraro (Watchung Hills) pin Craig McGuinness (Som) 2:30 171-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) won by forfeit 189-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) pinned Brandon Holderbaum (Somerville) 1:39 215-Pounds: Marion Easley (Somerville) maj. dec. Adam Plotkin (Watchung Hills) 10-1 275-Pounds: Jessie Miller (Somerville) pin Stephen Reif (Watchung Hills) :21 Watchung Hills 33 - Warren Hills 30 103-Pounds: Jason Hollenbeck (Warren Hills) maj.dec. Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 14-6 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Sean Smith (Warren Hills) 4-1 119-Pounds: Steve Black (Watchung Hills) dec. Rich Rathgeb (Warren Hills) 9-2 125-Pounds: Bob Walsh (Warren Hills) maj. dec. Chris Jessen (Watchung Hills) 14-1 130-Pounds: John Puelo (Warren Hills) won by forfeit 135-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Brandon Guillemin (Warren Hills) 11-4 140-Pounds: Kris Thompson (Warren Hills) won by forfeit 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) pin Brandon Quinn (Warren Hills) 3:10 152-Pounds: Dave Richmond (Warren Hills) maj. dec. Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) 10-1 160-Pounds: C.J. Ferraro (Watchung Hills) pin Dave Shoemaker (Warren Hills) 3:05 171-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) pin Sean Kennedy (Warren Hills) :15 189-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) dec. Dave Sbricia (Warren Hills) 5-2 215-Pounds: Dan Brice (Warren Hills) won by forfeit 275-Pounds: Adam Plotkin (Watchung Hills) dec. Mike Hoyt (Warren Hills) 6-3

Gatti claims second SCT gold

Published in the Echoes-Sentinel - December 30, 2003

Mike Gatti captured his second Somerset County Wrestling Tournament gold medal on Saturday but Watchung Hills fell short in its bid to repeat as team champions. Hillsborough claimed its second crown in three years while the Warriors finished fourth in the 11-team field. Gatti registered the fastest fall of the entire competition when he packed up North Plainfield's Ib Hssein and touched his shoulder blades to the canvas 17 seconds into their 160-pound semifinal confrontation. In the championship round, Gatti decked Hillsborough's Pat Jastrzebski 56 seconds into the third period to pick up his second SCT golf medal. Alex Caruso was the runnerup in the 145-pound weight division. Caruso showed Chris Nittoli of Rutgers Prep the gym lights 59 seconds into the quarterfinals matchup. In the semifinals he flattened Bernards' Dave Lutz with 35 ticks left on the first period clock. His bid for the gold was extinguished with three seconds left in the opening period of the title bout. The Riccio brothers, Tyle and Shane, picked up bronze medals as did Cary Aldrich and Mark Kearsing. 2003 Somerset County Tournament Team Scores: 1. Hillsborough 191; 2. Bound Brook 174; 3. Somerville 142; 4. Watchung Hills 114; 5. Bridgewater-Raritan 99 1/2; 6. Bernards 75; 7. Franklin 64; 8. North Plainfield 58; 9.Ridge 42; 10. Rutgers Prep 36; 11. Manville 2 Championship Finals 145-Pounds: Andrew Flanagan (Bound Brook) pin Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) 1:57 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) pin Pat Jastrzebski (Hillsborough) 4:56 Third Place Consolation Finals 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Jose Abarca (Bound Brook) 3-2 135-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Pat Riley (Bernards) 2-1 152-Pounds: Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) dec. Dom Distano (Somerville) 8-7 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) dec. Brandon Holderbaum (Somerville) 7-3 275-Pounds: Cliff Meinwieser (Ridge) pin Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) 1:04 Semifinals 112-Pounds: John Mangini (Hillsborough) pin Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) 3:36 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) pin Dave Lutz (Bernards) 1:15 152-Pounds: John Newman (Hillsborough) pin Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) 3:41 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) pin Ib Hussien (North Plainfield) :17 171-Pounds: Jon Rothman (Bridgewater-Raritan) dec. Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) 5-4 215-Pounds: Marion Easley (Somerville) dec. Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) 3-1 275-Pounds: Jesse Miller (Somerville) pin Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) :43 Quarterfinals 103-Pounds: Adam Kull (Hillsborough) dec. Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 3-2 112-Pounds: Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) pin Billy Vanderhoof (Somerville) 3:35 130-Pounds: Jessie Harrington (Bound Brook) pin Chris Jessen (Watchung Hills) :41 135-Pounds: Pat Riley (Bernards) dec. Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) 8-3 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) pin Chris Nittoli (Rutgers Prep) :59 152-Pounds: Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) dec. Larry O'Krogly (Bernards) 6-0 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) dec. Tom Orrico (Bridgewater-Raritan) 4-1 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) pin. Nelson Puentes (North Plainfield) 2:44 215-Pounds: Adam Plotkin (Watchung Hills) pin Adam Gonzalez (Rutgers Prep) :34 275-Pounds: Reif (Watchung Hills) pin Michael Gonzalez (Franklin) 3:35

Warriors wrestle to Colt Classic team title

Published in the Echoes-Sentinel - December 24, 2003

Watchung Hills launched its 2003-2004 wrestling campaign with a dominating team performance in the Colt Classic contested at Christian Brothers Academy on Saturday. With a quartet of gold medal winners, the Warriors built up a 248-215 advantage over the host squad in the 11-team field. Shane Riccio was the first Warrior to go to the top step of the awards podium. Competing in the 135-pound weight division, Riccio wrestled to a 3-1 decision of CBA’s Charles Favia in the championship bout. Alex Caruso demonstrated why he is nationally-ranked when he showed Joe Leone of St. Augustine Prep the gym lights with 55 seconds remaining in the second period of the 145-pound title bout. In the 160-pound championship match, Mike Gatti cruised to an 11-4 decision over Rick Barca of St. Augustine Prep. Mark Kearsing made it back-to-back Warrior gold medal performances when he posted a 5-4 decision over Red Bank Regional’s Lamar Brown in the 171-pound weight division. 2003 Colt Classic Team Scores: 1. Watchung Hills 248; 2. Christian Brothers 215; 3. St. Augustine Prep 183.5; 4. Red Bank 164; 5. St. Mary 157; 6. Freehold Borough 149; 7. Gloucester Catholic 81; 8. Monsignor Donovan 77; 9. Red Bank Catholic 46; 10. McCorriston 19; 11. Cardinal McCarrick 14 Championship Finals 103-Pounds: John Neafra (Christian Brothers) dec. Ryan Stuart (Watchung Hills) 8-3 112-Pounds: James Beshada (Christian Brothers) maj. dec. Tyler Riccio (Watchung Hills) 15-6 119-Pounds: Dave Greenwald (St. Mary) tech. fall Steven Black (Watchung Hills) 17-2 135-Pounds: Shane Riccio (Watchung Hills) dec. Charles Favia (Christian Brothers) 3-1 145-Pounds: Alex Caruso (Watchung Hills) pin Joe Leone (St. Augustine Prep) 3:05 160-Pounds: Mike Gatti (Watchung Hills) dec. Rick Barca (St. Augustine Prep) 11-4 171-Pounds: Mark Kearsing (Watchung Hills) dec. Lamar Brown (Red Bank Regional) 5-4 215-Pounds: Jamie Giovanazzo (Freehold Boro) pin Alex Plotkin (Watchung Hills) N/T Consolation Third Place Finals 140-Pounds: Joe Butrico (Watchung Hills) pin Kevin Kim (St. Augustine Prep) :45 152-Pounds: Cary Aldrich (Watchung Hills) maj. dec. Jason Lipsett (Gloucester Catholic) 9-0 275-Pounds: Steve Reif (Watchung Hills) pin Wrangel Lubin (Gloucester Catholic) N/T

Gatti, Caruso ranked nationally

Published in the Echoes-Sentinel - December 19, 2003

Alex Caruso and Mike Gatti have been ranked nationally by Wrestling USA. This honor is indication of the strength of the Watchung Hills wrestling varsity program for the 2003-2004 campaign. Head coach Dan Smith's roster of 33 grapplers will challenge some of the top teams in the state in addition to Skyland Conference powers like Phillipsburg. On the Warriors' schedule are matches against St. Benedict's Prep, Seton Hall Prep and Paramus. Watchung Hills opens its campaign on Saturday in the Colts Classic hosted by Christian Brothers Academy. The following week, the Warriors will compete in the Somerset County Tournament at Hillsborough High School. Seniors Gatti, Alex Plotkin and Carl Riccio have been elected tri-captains. Gatti was tied for 30th among seniors nationally in his weight class. Plotkin has recovered from a gridiron injury and will be a dominant force in the upper weight for the Warriors. Riccio, one of three brothers on the squad, was injured in last year's final regular season match and continues to rehab. "Carl has come to nearly every practice," said Smith. "His presence has generated a new level of dedication and enthusiasm among the entire team." Riccio, a three-time Somerset County Tournament champion, was undefeated at 28-0 at the time of his injury while Gatti was a District XII and Region III champion last year at 145 pounds. "Anthony works hard and has continued to improve every year he has been with us," commented Smith. Counting the tri-captains, there are 10 members of the Class of 2004 on the squad. The others are Steve Black, Joey Butrico, Paul Lee, Derrick Lopez, Manny Marques, Kent Stein and Hans Tielmann. There are six juniors on the varsity roster. They are Cary Aldrich, Mike Capella, Arturo Custodio, C.J. Ferrara, Mark Kearsing and Stephen Reif. Caruso is the dominant grappler among the seven sophomores on the squad. He won the gold medal in the SCT at 140 pounds and dropped down to 135 to pick up another gold medal in the districts and is ranked seventh nationally in the freshman/sophomore category. "Alex is an outstanding wrestler and one good thing is that we have him for three more years," stated Smith. Caruso’s classmates in the program include Theo Eguia, Brian Murphy, John Recenello, Steve Reil, Shane Riccio and Ryan Stuart. Newcomers to the program are the 10 freshmen looking to see action on the varsity mats. They are Alex Acosta, Anthony DeTorres, Jarred Fand, Shawn Guerra, Chris Jessen, Robert Manticchio, Tyler Riccio, Robert Scriffiano, Mark Trupkiewica and Chris Valerio. Smith has not only a deep but also a solid roster. There are no "easy matches" on the schedule but the toughness will be rewarded in late February and March when the "tough" get going on the "Road to the Gold" that concludes with the NJSIAA State Tournament at the Convention Hall on the boardwalk at Atlantic City.

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