Hammers and Hopefuls Headline 2021 WMC Wrestling Season

By David Yaskulka

3/4/21

Michael Campanaro and Malachi Shepard, both NJSIAA State Championship qualifiers, headline a short list of 2021 hammers for West Morris Central wrestling. Regional qualifiers Michael Ferrante and Henry Frayne are the only other returning starters, leaving 10 slots for a promising list of hopeful next-generation stars.

“We are low on numbers and seniors which usually equates to a little bit of rebuilding,” said WMC’s decorated head coach Ken Rossi. “However, the returners we have are tough and committed. They will be great examples for our freshman class.

Down low, from 106 lbs. through 138, the team projects to be top-notch.

“We are blessed to have wrestlers that are committed to improving and working at an incredible rate. I am looking forward to see all of our wrestlers grow and work our way through the challenges of wrestling and life this season,” concluded Rossi.

106-120: Mighty Michaels

At 106, sophomore Michael Hare is the most accomplished likely new starter. He was Rossi’s super-sub last year -- a dominant “15th man” at 14-6 varsity. Hare projected to have qualified for Regions (RankWrestlers.com) if he had a starting slot. This year Hare should get his chance.

Michael Ferrante, a Goles Tournament champion, likely returns at 113, where he took District bronze with 19 wins as a sophomore..

Michael Campanaro bumps to 120, after arguably the best rookie season in school history at 106. His record 37 victories included one in Boardwalk Hall.

“My biggest lesson from Atlantic City is to believe in myself,” reflected Campanaro. “I’ve performed well in off season tournaments and definitely feel like I’m a better wrestler than last year.” A legitimate podium hopeful, Wrestling Full Circle ranked Campanaro #13 at 120 after his impressive 5th place showing at February’s Mobbin Media Classic.

Newcomers include freshmen Vincent Caruso and Michael Green, and sophomore Ethan Fox.

126-138: Strong New Starters + Shepard

Shepard should man the high end of this group at 138. The returning State Championship qualifierand District champ had 25 wins. He could dominate most competition on the way to Atlantic City – and will be entertaining all the way.

Freshman Sam Rizzuto, the most accomplished incoming grappler, could lock down 126. His top-3 placements in both the New Jersey State and Grade School League tournaments portend a high school career with stops in Atlantic City.

But stiff competition at 126 or 132 comes from Nick Chisari, the team’s only returning senior, with 28 starts including some big clutch wins last season; and sophomore Dean Muttart who had shining varsity moments last year when given the chance -- highlighted by an impressive podium spot at X-Calibur.

Freshmen in the mix include Garret Crisp and Henry DeFrance.

145-HWT: Frayne and Seven New Faces

Last season Henry Frayne was one of the first-ever freshmen upper weights to crack the starting lineup, and performed impressively, including winning District bronze. Upper weights rarely exceed until their physically-stronger upper-class seasons. Among sophomores, he’s ranked #11 in NJ at the weight, and could land at 220.

Ricardo Guerrero got important experience last year, winning a prestigious varsity letter. Think 160 for the athletic junior.

Junior Kevin Moore saw some time on the varsity mat, including a gutty face off with a then #1-ranked heavyweight.

But beyond those three, 145, 152, 170, 182, and 195 all present new opportunities for the “next man up.” Competing for the opportunity include junior Antoni Kaplinski, and freshmen Bryce Cammarata, Luke Barisonek, Ethan Toe and Cooper Stetz.

Craziest of Seasons (and Off-Seasons)

The 2021 season will be a wild card in so many ways. Yes, there will be 10 new starters who’ve never competed at Counties or Districts.

But there may not even be Counties or Districts this year. The NJSIAA has not yet determined what tournaments might look like – if we have them at all.

WMC Wrestling Parents Club president Mike Campanaro reported, “(Michael) Hare, Shepard and Campanaro have consistently been training at Yale Street wrestling club since the Governor allowed in-door workouts.”

“We put a combined team together (mainly Wolfpack wrestlers) for the North Hunterdon Duals in September,” he reflected. “It was a good event as North had 10 mats on their football field. Wolfpack alumni Colin Loughney and Robert Bohr coached the boys for that event. That was the first time most of our boys got on the mat since the pandemic hit so there was a lot of rust, but it was good to see them compete -- win or lose.”

The senior Campanaro said that last month, Shepard and Campanaro traveled to South Carolina for the Tyrant Duals National Tournament as Yale Street Wrestling Club members. “Each boy had 6-2 records against some of the best kids in the country, the team went 8-0 and won their division.”

Hard (or Impossible) to Replace

Unlike 2021, last season’s starting lineup was stacked with seniors, who will be hard to replace. Graduated senior captains Nick Kaltenhauser (with two varsity letters), and all-time greats Robert Bohr, Eli Shepard and Colin Loughney depart. Also departing are repeat Region qualifiers Matt Borgia, Jorge Montenegro, and Kevin Ramos, along with Region qualifier Mike Battaglino and sometimes-starter Ricardo Guerrero.

Last year’s seniors delivered nearly 200 wins, which will be nearly impossible to replace.

Next Up

While the schedule could be open to change, the team opens the season 3/16 @ Randolph, which may also be in a rebuilding year, returning only one top-100 wrestler (senior Evan Cannon is #45). WMC’s home opener is 3/18, hosting powerhouse Delbarton, the #1 team in NJ with top-ranked wrestlers up and down the lineup. After that: 3/23 @ Mt. Olive, 3/25 @ Montville, 3/27 @ Pope John, and 3/30 @ Sparta.

Contributing writer David Yaskulka’s day job is CEO of Nature’s Logic 100% Natural pet food. He’s also Board Chair of Greater Good Charities, and a Pet Sustainability Coalition Board member.