The Roselle Park Recreation & High School Wrestling Teams were recognized for their winning seasons at last night’s Mayor & Council meeting. Coach John Ranieri spoke on behalf of Roselle Park’s wrestling program, “We’d like to thank Mr. [Ken] Blum and his staff, The Recreation Department, the volunteer mothers and coaches, our high school and middle school coaches, and the parents of our wrestlers.”
Coach Ranieri explained that many of the wrestlers are multi-faceted athletes and that some of them could not attend the presentation due to being at those events. Offering a brief summary of Roselle Park’s Central Jersey Team, Coach Ranieri recapped the team’s 10-5 record and placing 4th in Conference 8 Division and 5th in the Central Jersey League Tournament. Those Recreation Department Wrestlers in attendance who were recognized were Brendan Scott along with state qualifiers Jason Weaver and John Ranieri as well as eighth grade wrestler Anthony Devito.
The Roselle Park High School (RPHS) Wrestling Team had a season record of 18-2 and won the Panther Invitational Championship, the Waldwick Tournament Championship, the District 10 Tournament Championship and placed 3rd in the Union County Tournament. The team was also ranked #5 in Region 3. The team had three (3) District 10 Champions (including Outstanding Wrestler), seven (7) Region 3 Qualifiers, two (2) Region 3 Place Winners, and one (1) State Tournament Medal Winner.
Among its many shining athletes, wrestler Chris Gural – who placed fourth in the state – was added as a new member into the Century Club with a record of 106 wins and 41 losses. Other recognized RPHS wrestlers included 3rd place finisher from the USA Wrestling State Tournament Drew Graves, sophomore and Region Qualifier Jon Mejia & Josh Mejia, freshman State Tournament Runner Up Elvin Guerrero, and sophomore Devin Hilbert. Senior Captains were also presented with certificates, including Carry Mimy who will be attending Kean University, Sebastian Leo who will attend Roger Williams University, Joe Devito who will be going to Union County College, and NJSIA State Tournament Place Winner Chris Gural who will attend Roger Williams University as a student wrestler.
Coach Ranieri concluded with, “Thank you Mayor Hokanson, Councilman Petrosky, and town council for taking the time out of your busy agenda to recognize the wrestling program. Thank you.”