LeMay’s Last WMC Battle is a Boardwalk Triumph

By David Yaskulka

“My final match was the most important,” said West Morris Central senior Justin LeMay as his illustrious West Morris Central High School wrestling career ended in triumph at the NJSIAA/Rothman Orthopaedics State Wrestling Championships Saturday.

He defeated Paulsboro’s George Worthy (40-6) 6-5 to earn 7th place at 152 lbs. The WMC senior captain battled a torn ACL and other injuries all season, but persevered all the way to the podium.

Coach Ken Rossi called it “one of his best matches of the year. He attacked and finished his shots. He closed down Worthy's offense and kept him to only one takedown. Justin was able to wear him out.”

Among the 500-plus high school wrestlers in each weight class, only four end their seasons with a win in storied Boardwalk Hall.

LeMay (33-7) joins Marco Gaita (2018), Shane Metzler (2015, 2016, 2017) and Nick Matthews(2013) as the school’s only State medalists this century.

“Justin’s been a major influence on Long Valley Wrestling and West Morris wrestling,” said Rossi. “He works incredibly hard, has strong character, and is a mentally tough individual. He overcame several injuries to get to the podium which displays his ability to overcome adversity.”

LeMay, a Maryland recruit, started the championships Thursday by pinning Robbinsville’s Jack Milazzo (29-12) and besting Seton Hall’s Jack Wilt (30-10) 5-1, then falling to eventual silver medalist Nicholas O’Connell (40-1).

In the critical WB-4 blood round -- where winners reach the podium and losers go home -- LeMay triumphed over Pascack Valley’s Matt Beyer (33-3) 11-8.

“I knew I wasn't losing because of how much work I have put in,” said LeMay.

After falling to eventual fourth-placer Dante Stefanelli of Delbarton (25-6) who again avenged an earlier season loss, LeMay came back to beat Worthy.

Going into the tournament, LeMay was ranked no. 10 in the state by Wrestling Full Circle. LeMay topped the no. 5 (Beyer) and no. 3 (Worthy). O’Connell was no. 1.

DeVito and Stefanelli Finish in Boardwalk Hall

Fellow senior captains (along with A.J. Hill) John DeVito (160, 32-10) and Luke Stefanelli (182, 28-7) concluded their outstanding careers in storied Boardwalk Hall.

“Wrestling has been such a big part of my life since I was three years old,” reflected Stefanelli. “I honestly don’t think I’d be close to the same person if I didn’t wrestle. Going forward, I’ll bring the confidence that I can out work anyone.”

In his second trip to the championships, DeVito topped Pope John’s Connor Fritsch for the second time this season.

“Wrestling has taught me a lot, but the biggest thing is respect,” said DeVito, a Wilkes recruit. “Respecting hard work, dedication, teammates, coaches, opponents, food. I will carry this on with college wrestling and everything else I do.”

“John and Luke have been in our program from a young age,” reflected Rossi. “Both progressed from average wrestlers to excellent wrestlers through work-ethic and perseverance. I was thrilled to see them compete at the state tournament and the coaches and team will miss their contributions.”

“Wrestling with Justin, John and Luke has been a great experience -- I know they will have success in the future,” said fellow state qualifier Colin Loughney. “Along with A.J. Hill, they were captains I looked up to.”

Next Year’s Returning State Qualifiers: Bohr, Shepard and Loughney

Next season, for the first time, WMC will have three returning wrestlers who have had their hands raised in Atlantic City.

Robert Bohr (120, 21-16) bested West Windsor’s Brandon Murray 7-2 in WB-1 for his first AC victory.

“Winning that match felt nice,” said Bohr, but I’m not satisfied. It made me more hungry to make it to day three [for the medal rounds] next year. My goal is to place along with Eli and Colin.”

“As a team, if we push each other, we can make it to Pine Belt Arena next year,” he said, referring to the team championships.

“It’s been an honor to wrestle with LeMay, DeVito and Luke all these years,” reflected Bohr. “They helped push me through the hard times to make it here.”

Loughney (145, 27-13) fell to fellow Morris County hammers Scott Jarosz of Roxbury (38-4) and Alex Winant from Mendham (35-4) -- but in between, topped Woodstown’s Jack Prendergast (27-6) by fall.

Eli Shepard (132, 29-9) was upset in the opening round by one point, but came back to top Ocean Township’s Jack Nies (35-8) 7-6 to advance. Eventual 5th place finisher Kaya Sement avenged a dual meet loss to Shepard in WB2.

“Robby, Eli, and Colin have been career wrestlers and have put a lot of time in,” said Rossi. “They are going to be great role models and contributors next season. Their offseason effort will dictate how well we do as a team. The next set of goals for them is to step on the podium.”

“Winning in Boardwalk hall is definitely very exciting and motivating for next year,” said Loughney. “I am looking forward to being back with those two in AC and getting on the podium with my other teammates. I want to be a leader for the younger guys next year and be the best team we can be even after losing a large senior class.”

More Locals Finish on Top

Mendham junior Gage Armijo lost in the quarterfinals to eventual 220 lb. champion Zach DelVeccio, but then swept through wrestlebacks, winning the consolation finals for bronze. Teammate Dom DiGena also ascended the podium, taking 7th in his final bout.

Mt. Olive heavyweight Jayvon Davidson lost only to the top two ranked wrestlers at the weight, but finished with a victory in the fifth place match.

Photo Credits

Margaret Stefanelli, Mollissa LeMay, Susan Hill and Tom Borgia.