Glen Ridge HS wrestling team focuses on upcoming district tournament

GLEN RIDGE – Since winning two of its first three dual matches, things haven’t gone so well for the Glen Ridge High School varsity wrestling team.

In fact, since that time, the Ridgers have earned just one victory.

“We have low numbers, and on top of that, we’ve had to deal with some injuries and that’s hurt the team as we only have three wins this year,” said head coach Kendall Southerland.

While the team has three matches remaining, the GRHS coach said his team’s focus was already on the individual tournaments that will follow the regular season.

“We face Livingston on Tuesday (Feb. 9 at home) and then we have Dover (Feb. 10 at home) and Morris Catholic (Feb. 12 at home) for our last regular-season home match, but the focus is on the individual wrestlers heading into the district tournament in two weeks,” said the coach. “It’s been difficult to stay focused, but we’re doing as much as we possibly can.”

The Ridgers will compete in the District 13 tournament at West Essex in North Caldwell, Feb. 19-20.

One wrestler who will look to make an impact come tournament time, will be freshman Nick Fiorello.

“I’m real happy with Nick, who could get 15 wins this year. He placed at county and he’s been doing really well for us,” Southerland said. “Nick was sick, but he came back strong.”

Another wrestler who the team will look to is 160-pound sophomore Joe Marchesano.

“He has 12 wins on the season, and overall, I have been pleased with his efforts,” Southerland said.

Similarly, the coach also talked about 152-pound senior Charlie Wilson.

“Charlie stepped in and has wrestled tough by getting a couple of wins under his belt,” said Southerland.

In addition, 145-pound senior Rob Spitaletta can also make some noise in the upcoming tournaments.

“Rob is above .500, and overall he has been coming along, day in and day out,” he said. “I think the world of him.”

The GRHS coach said Rob Michaels also would be someone to keep an eye on.

“Rob Michaels has turned the corner as he placed at county and he has been doing an awesome job,” he said. “Now, we’ll see if he can take another step and continue to excel. Ideally, we’d like to see him, as well as a few others, make it to the regions.”

Last but not least, Southerland talked about 126-pound junior Anthony Santigate.

“Anthony went to the regions last year, but this year he has had to battle several injuries,” he said. “We hope to have him back a match before the districts and we’ll see what happens from there.”