WEST ORANGE – The West Orange Junior Mountaineers finished another successful wrestling season by placing fourth in the highly competitive Suburban Wrestling League. In the process, they recorded back-to back winning seasons for the first time.
The Mountaineers have recorded a 17-7 record over the last two seasons. The Suburban League has been in existence since the 1970’s and includes all the teams in Essex County. The team is coached by Vinnie Angelone, Ron Charles and James Rawls. “The goal we set 10 years ago was to become a wrestling powerhouse, both on the recreation level and high school,” coach Charles stated. “We understand our role is to be the feeder system for the high school team,” added coach Angelone.
Another first in the program’s history occurred at the Essex County League Championships where Michael Charles became the first two-time champion, taking home the gold medal with three pins in the tournament and an impressive pin in the finals in 47 seconds.
“Michael had an impressive tournament,” coach Angelone remarked. “He had a tough weight class throughout the season, but worked really hard and became our first two-time champion. Michael has put up an impressive 29-1 record over the past two seasons in our league. He seemed to dominate opponents over the last two years. With his accomplishments of a two-time County League Champion and over 50 league wins, Michael is our program’s winningest wrestler to date and I am honored to have coached him. Michael moves up to the high school next year and should be able to make an impact with the varsity and Coach (Stephan) Zichella’s team.”
The other wrestler of the dynamic dual was Dorian Rawls, who racked up an impressive 13-1 season this year and is 22-4 over the last two seasons. Dorian took second place in the Essex County League championships, losing in the finals to Mike Massa from Cedar Grove in what was the most exciting match of the entire tournament, Coach Angelone said. “Dorian will be back with our team next year and we will look to him once again to lead our team and reign dominant throughout the league,” coach Charles remarked.
Other place-winners from the League Championships included Ari Rosu, who took third place in a very tough weight class. Rosu was a middle seed in the tournament, but had impressive wins in the early rounds to take home the bronze medal. Rosu has made great strides since joining the program two years ago. “He is one tough kid,” noted Coach Rawls. Khurram Simpson, who was a first-year wrestler, placed third. Khurram had an impressive season for the Junior Mountaineers. “He is such a strong kid; once he gains some more experience on the mat, he will get better and better,” coach Angelone said. “To finish third in his first season is such an accomplishment.”
Another first-year wrestler was Massimo McCormick, who also took third place in the League Championships. “Mas,” as called by the coaches, improved so much from the start of the season. He was out-matched by some of the other wrestlers by 25 pounds sometimes. He is a tough kid, and will have a positive impact with the high school program next year, his coaches said.
Quentin Lemon, another eight grader, took fifth place in the Championships. Quintin finished the last two seasons with 15-4 record. “Quintin is a very athletic, strong kid; he needs to gain more mat experience, which will propel him onto the next level,” said coach Charles. “All of the pieces are there. He needs to put them together. Quintin got our team some big pins to help us gain some important team victories.”
The final two eighth-graders on the squad were Daniel Neil and Derrick Roberts. Both wrestlers have been part of the program for a few years and have continued to show improvement, year after year. Derrick took second place in the North Jersey Wrestling League Championships this year. “Derrick and Daniel have contributed to our program in such a positive manner over the last few years,” said coach Charles. “Each of the wrestlers gained key victories for our team to help us win some close matches throughout the years. Both wrestlers have bright futures ahead at the high school. “
The surprise of the tournament and quite possibly the season was Gavin Rembert. Only a sixth-grader, Gavin took home the bronze medal by placing third. Gavin wrestled two weight classes above his natural weight. Throughout the season, he got big wins for the team, noted coach Rawls. “He has two more seasons with us; the coaches are all excited to have him back,” coach Rawls said.
Rounding out the Junior Mountaineer squad was a group of young wrestlers who will lead the team over the next few years. Nicholas Adams was 9-3 on the season and “kicked off” the team, followed by John Shadwell, who recorded an impressive 8-3 record on the season. Sean Harrington, Julian Sampson and Colin Uhler rounded out the lower weights for the team. The middle weights were anchored by Arthur Rosu, Al-Jarere Newsome, Noah Martin, Nico McCormick, third-grade sensation Xavier Williams and seventh-grader Dante Ricci.
The program will now enter the spring season of state and national level competitions. “We continue to build champions, on and off the mat,” remarked coach Charles.
West Orange Junior Mountaineers enjoy another great wrestling season added by Joe Ragozzino on
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