On January 16,2013 the Chatham Cougars traveled to Boonton High School to face the Boonton Bombers. This was a nail biter.
The Chatham Grapplers took an early 10-0 lead with a first period pin from Teddy Joel (50) and a major victory (13-1) from Darius Khani (55). The score was tied 10-10 with Boonton victories in the 60 and 65 pound weight classes until Connor Cortese (70) pinned his opponent within 45 seconds of the first period. Willie O'Neill (75) then beat his opponent 22-5. With these two victories, the Cougars took a 21-10 lead. This lead was reduced to 21-16 with a Cougar loss at (80). PJ Joel (85) then pinned his opponent in the second period to increase Chatham's lead to 27 -16.
After losses at 90 and 96 Chatham's lead dwindled to one point, 27 -26. The team then got 6 points on a forfeit to Gavin Glascow (102) and 6 more pins from Eric Davis (109) who pinned his opponent in the first period of his match. Luke Ciccarelli (116) had the most exciting match of the night. Down 4-2 in the final seconds of the third period, Luke threw his opponent to his back for 4 points to win his match 6-4.
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These three victories ( 102, 109 and 116) put the Cougars ahead 42-26 with three matches remaining. Boonton fought back with victories at 123 and 130 making the score 42 to 38 with one weight class to go. The match came down to the 137 pound weight class.
A major victory (4 points) would tie the match, a technical fall(5 points) or a pin would give Boonton the victory. It was not to be. Tim Rohe (137) would go on to pin his opponent in the first period to give Chatham the victory, 48 to 38. This victory improved Chatham's dual meet record to 3-2. Chatham is now ranked third in the North Jersey Youth Wrestling League.
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We knew this was going to be a very close match and that every match would be meaningful as it concerned the team score. Our wrestlers met the challenge and wrestled very well. We also got strong performances in exhibition matches from Gavin Glascow (102), Logan Robson (102), Brian Boler (60), Dean Ciccarelli (85) and Michael Rohe (70).
The Chatham Wrestling Club is run by John Nonnenmacher and Scot Ciccarelli. Anyone looking to join this club can contact John at jnonnenmacher@bynlaw.com or Scot at scot.Ciccarelli@bccm.com
