Metuchen wrestlers hope to maintain success
Bulldogs are young but talented
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

METUCHEN — The borough high school wrestling team will kick off the new season at 9 a.m. Saturday when it competes in the annual Edison Classic.

“We’re very young,” Metuchen head coach Ed Angus said. “We definitely have some individuals that I expect to make a name for themselves this season. The great thing is that for the first time in four years we’ll be able to fill all the weight classes. It’s probably the first time in 10 years we’ll be able to do that at the JV level.”

Filling the 103-pound position this season are freshmen Brody Gordon and Mike Gassaway.

“Both have come up through the Metuchen Grapplers program and both will see a lot of time on varsity,” Angus said. “They’ve been pretty impressive so far.”

Another freshman in James Rasmussen will maintain the 112-pound position. Although young, Rasmussen brings a lot of experience to the mat.

“He was with the Grapplers for a long time and he could be very good for us,” Angus said. “I’m looking for a good season out of him.”

Three Bulldogs will see mat time at the 119-pound slot. Freshman Kevin Gazzale and sophomores Niko Ratzkovich and Sean Aquadro comprise what could turn into the three-headed monster at 119.

“It’s nice that we won’t have to forfeit down there at the lower weights,” Angus said. “Both Niko and Sean got some experience last year, which should make a difference for them.”

Juniors Sam Vinci and Mike Jachim return to the mat for their third seasons. Jachim is looking to build on his success as a two-time county place winner and a two-time regional qualifier.

“Both have taken charge as leaders of the team,” Angus said. “Mike is on pace to finish close to breaking the all-time record for career wins at Metuchen.”

Freshmen Christian Lecompte, Kevin Walsh and Quinn Meng are expected to battle it out for the 135- and 140-pound weight classes with fellow freshman Ray Bonet expected to land somewhere between 145 and 160 pounds.

“Ray is a very good athlete and he could definitely see some varsity time this season,” Angus said. “We’ve got some big freshmen with talent this year.”

Sophomore Nick Ciccone and senior Nick Donahue bring experience to the 145-pound weight class. Both are expected to see plenty of action.

Juniors Jack Rems (152 pounds) and Ben Hohmann (160 pounds) are fresh off successful seasons and return with high expectations. Rems was a county place-winner last season.

“These guys took their lumps when they were younger,” Angus said. “Now, it should be their time to blossom.”

Sophomore Jake Duva and juniors Marek Szwast and Ethan Grossman picked up some valuable experience last season and are expected to be key contributors to this year’s team. Duva will wrestle at 171 pounds with Szwast at 189 and Grossman at 215.

“Ethan was solid for us last year and he should be able to wrestle at his real weight,” Angus said. “It looks like we’ll have a heavyweight so Ethan can move down to 215 where he belongs.”

In addition to the Edison Classic, the Bulldogs will compete in the East Brunswick Holiday Tournament. This month, Metuchen will battle Bishop Ahr (Dec. 20), Pt. Pleasant Beach (Dec. 22) and Hopewell Valley (Dec. 27) in dual meets.

“Hopefully, we can follow the success all the Metuchen fall teams enjoyed,” Angus said. “If we can do that, we’ll be very happy.”