JFK wrestling team finishes seventh at GMC tourney
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
Led by tournament champion Tom Hogan, the John F. Kennedy High Schoolwrestling teamfinished in seventh place over the weekend at the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament.

Hogan's title came at 125 pounds, where he defeated South River'sAdamMongelli in an overtime thriller, 3-2.Hogan was a tournament runner-up last season at 103 pounds.

"This was Tom's first title ever," Kennedy head coach Bill Deniz said. "This should help his confidence. He's been wrestling at 119 the whole season, so this was a nice tournament for him."

Teammate Pete Buttitta placed second at 130 pounds after suffering a tough defeat to Old Bridge's John Giusti. Buttitta was winning the bout 5-3 before Giusti turned the tables for a pin.

"Pete got caught in the finals, but he'll probably see his opponent again in the Regions," Deniz said. "Pete pinned everybody on his way to the finals and wrestled really well."

Kennedy's Derrick Jordan had an impressive run at 160 pounds. Jordan entered the tournament unseeded and opened his run by pinning Anthony Prybeck of Woodbridge in just under twominutes in the preliminary round.

In the first round, Jordan stunned No. 4 seed Jordan Braun of East Brunswick 9-8. The upsets continued to pile up after Jordan knocked off both the No. 5 and No. 6 seeds.

"It was definitely a nice run for him," Deniz said. "He wasn't supposed to win his first-roundmatch, and he ended upwinning four bouts."

Kennedy's Joe Creighton entered the tournament the No. 3 seed at 140 pounds but was crippled with illness the entire tournament. Creighton opened the tournament pinning Anthony Rovito of J.P. Stevens and eventually reached the semifinals, butwas too sick and fatigued.After defaulting in the semis, Creighton was removed fromthe tournament byDeniz and settled for sixth place.

A pair of Mustangs, 103-pounder Mike Buttitta and heavyweight TomFarrell, took seventh place over the weekend, and Mike Hart was an eighth-place finisher for the team at 145 pounds.

"Mike Hart only weighs 137," Deniz said. "Considering the weight he gives up, he did a really nice job at 145."

Kennedy will resume action this week with two big bouts against Sayreville and Old Bridge. In addition to Giusti's win at 130 pounds, Old Bridge's Chris Suozzo took home a title at 171 pounds as Old Bridge finished fourth in the team standings. For tournament champions Sayreville, two of its own were crowned champs. Ramon Santiago (140 pounds) and Mike Knight (189 pounds) helped lead the Bombers to their first team title.