MAPLEWOOD/SOUTH ORANGE – This past week saw the Columbia High School varsity wrestling team conclude its regular season with four dual meets. As the rest of the season has gone, the grapplers wrestled well. But with too many forfeits and some injured wrestlers, the Cougars split, as they won two meets and lost two.
The Cougars lost to Morris Catholic and JP Stevens, but defeated Paterson Kennedy and Christ the King.
In all four meets, the Cougars won their share of the matches wrestled, but could not overcome the number of forfeits given.
Columbia ended with a season record of 9 wins and 16 losses, with several meets decided by one or two matches. But a number of their wrestlers had successful seasons.
Freshman 120-pound Devin Rocha led the way with a fine record of 25 wins and 8 losses. Senior Kevhan Bent finished another strong season with 22 wins and 7 losses, including the 285-pound Essex County Tournament championship.
Freshman 152-pound Blake McGowan had 17 wins and 7 losses. Junior 195-pound Ralph Ravix had 16 wins and 4 losses. Junior 195-220-pound Emanuel Jackson had 13 wins and 5 losses, and senior 220-pound Mansky Charles had 16 wins and 8 losses.
Columbia continues its season this weekend as it enters the NJ State District 10 Tournament at Millburn High School on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19-20. The top three finishers in each weight class will advance to the Region 3 Tournament at Union HS, Feb. 24, 26-27.
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