Absegami High School Wrestling Team Plans to Contend in CAL, S.J. Group IV Wrestling

Alex Gong and Michael Jiampetti both soaked in the experience of wrestling
under the big lights and big crowds of Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City last
season for the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championship.

For some wrestlers it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but both seniors plan on being back there in March, and some of their
teammates want to be there with them.

However, their focus will first be on the team's success, getting back into the South Jersey Group IV playoffs like they did last year.

The Braves lost some key members of last year's squad, including
215-pounder Steve Stadtmueller and heavyweight Steve Schwartz, who both made the state tournament, but return half the starting lineup.

Absegami seniors Jiampetti (126 pounds), Nate Ross (152), and Gong (171)
all won at least 30 matches last season. Brandon Goldberg also returns (120) after winning 18 times and placing fourth at districts. Frank Malloy (138), Jack Willette (145) and J.C. Carr (220) are also back this year.

"I see us fighting for the South jersey Group IV title, I really do," Absegami coach Shawn Scannell said. "I'm not ready to say we will win it outright, but we have enough guys doing the right things to make a do. They all work hard and that's all I can ask for."

"I feel comfortable with the team we have this year," Ross said. "It's looking pretty good. We have a few solid wrestlers this year. Everybody is getting along and we have great chemistry going. We are having a lot more fun in the room."

The rest of the lineup will feature some new faces, coming up from JV or even some freshmen. Chris D'Alfonso (106) and Chris Harvey (113) are freshmen that will see mat time right away. Freshman Zack Hermaneau (113-120) and Robert Mears (132-138) may also crack the lineup this season. Senior Mike Ottaviano waited for his turn behind some quality wrestlers last year, and is expected to be solid at heavyweight.

"He is going to be alright," Scannell said. "He listens to everything and works hard. He is a good athlete."

With so many young wrestlers in the lineup, the Braves will look to the seniors to show them the way. The best way they can do that is to lead them in the weight room and get the job done during matches.

"I expect big things from them," Scannell said. "Nate is as strong as ever and he is excited about this coming year. Goldberg was getting much better at the end of the year and was fourth at districts. He is working hard and we are expecting him to do good things.

"Both Gong and Jiampetti were state qualifiers. They have goals of both placing at states. They shouldn't think anything different. I tell them never to cut themselves short. We want them to be the best. There is no reason they can't. They work hard and had great off seasons. They work hard and it's up to them."

Ross feels the same way. He is looking for that trip to states.

"As a team I see us being successful, wrestling for a South Jersey title and making it far in the playoffs," he said. "Individually my goal is to be the top in the state. There is no other goal besides that."