It's Win or Go Home

The Absegami High School wrestlers will be working without a net tonight at the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall.

The four Braves—Mike Jiampetti (119 pounds), Alex Gong (171), Kevin Stadtmueller (215) and Steve Schwartz (heavyweight)—who are still alive for a state title have no room for error in the first round.

Jiampetti and Stadtmueller finished second at Region 8, and Gong and Schwartz were third. By not winning a championship, they did not receive a first-round bye. The first round is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

"You have to win the first round. If you don't win the first round, it's see you later," Absegami coach Shawn Scannell said.

This is a return trip for Stadtmueller, who finished one win away from placing in the top eight in the state. Stadtmueller (30-4) takes on Ocean Township's Colton Bigelow (19-1), who was first in districts and third in regions. The winner will face either Mendham's Chris Florek or Sayreville's Christopher Raub.

Although the Absegami senior is familiar with the tournament and the experience, he doesn't expect it to be any easier this season.

"I have people shooting for me," Stadtmueller said. "Last year people didn't know who I was and I took people by surprise. Now, people are expecting it from me; now I have to perform."

Schwartz (32-6) is set to wrestle Sayreville's Tyler Carlock (31-7), who was first at districts and second in regions, in the first round. The winner meets Northern Highlands' Matthew Mecca. Scannell, who won a state title for Absegami in 1996, thinks Stadtmueller and Schwartz can make deep runs.

"Kevin Statdmueller is capable of making the podium," Scannell explained. "It's the same deal for Steven. Kevin was almost there last year. He was one win away."

Jiampetti didn't win any first-place hardware the last two weeks only because he had the unfortunate circumstance of being in the same weight class as Buena's Billy Ward. However, the Absegami junior made an impressive run at regions before meeting Ward in the finals.

Jiampetti (30-8) has a tough road, meeting Kevin Devoy of Burlington Township in the opening round. Devoy (32-4) finished second at districts and third in regions.  The winner will meet either Jackson's Mike Shupin or High Point's William Hagany.

"Mike Jiampetti is in a tough weight class in this area," Scannell said. "I think he can make some noise."

Gong (33-6) opens with West Essex's Paul Cafone (31-9), who won districts and is a regions runner-up. The winner of the opening round will take on Roselle Park's Vic Pozsonyi.

"I just want to do the best I can," Gong said.

"Alex Gong wrestles tough," Scannell said. "I'm pretty optimistic."