Joe Marchesano captures 170-pound title to lead Glen Ridge HS wrestling team at Essex County Tournament

GLEN RIDGE, NJ (updated Monday Jan. 22, 11:17 a.m.) – Joe Marchesano won the 170-pound championship to lead the Glen Ridge High School varsity wrestling team at the Essex County Tournament, Jan. 18-19, at Richard J. Codey Arena.

Marchesano, a senior seeded No. 2 in the tournament, defeated top-seeded Frank Gabriele of Nutley by an 8-2 decision in the championship bout.

Joe Marchesano won the 170-pound championship to lead the Glen Ridge High School varsity wrestling team at the Essex County Tournament, Jan. 18-19, at Richard J. Codey Arena.

Marchesano, a senior seeded No. 2 in the tournament, defeated top-seeded Frank Gabriele of Nutley by an 8-2 decision in the championship bout.

GRHS head coach Kendall Southerland was ecstatic for Marchesano.

“Joe is still undefeated and had great run at the ECT,” Southerland said. “Joe is really confident in his ability. He wrestles smart and listens to us (coaches). Joe is tough and strong, which he uses to his advantage. He is really good student in school and well liked by his peers and teachers.”

Nicholas Fiorillo, a junior, was the other placewinner for the Ridgers. Fiorillo finished eighth in the 126-pound weight class.

Glen Ridge finished 14th in the team standings. Seton Hall Prep won the team title for the third straight season.

Nicholas Fiorillo, a junior, was the other placewinner for the Ridgers. Fiorillo finished eighth in the 126-pound weight class.

Glen Ridge finished 14th in the team standings. Seton Hall Prep won the team title for the third straight season.

Team scores

1-Seton Hall Prep, 239.5 points; 2-West Essex, 169.5; 3-Caldwell, 150.0; 4-Cedar Grove, 142.0; 5-Livingston, 138.0; 6-Nutley, 116.5; 7-Verona, 113.0; 8-West Orange, 87.5; 9-Irvington, 83.0; 10-Columbia, 67.0; 11-Orange, 57.0; 12-Montclair, 50.0; 13-Millburn, 38.0; 14-Glen Ridge, 31.0; 15-East Orange, 25.0; 16-Newark Academy, 23.0; 17-Belleville, 22.0; 18-East Side, 14.5; 19-Barringer, 11.0; 20-Bloomfield, 10.0; 20-Newark Collegiate, 10.0; 22-Weequahic, 5.0