Brearley - Brick

Throughout his successful career as Brearley wrestling coach, Brian Luciani has maintained a philosophy of scheduling the most challenging matches possible for his teams, theorizing that the tough competition will strengthen his wrestlers for the biggest end of the year contests. After defeating Dover and Seton Hall in an opening home tournament the Bears took the long bus ride down the Jersey Shore on Saturday to face two of the top teams in the state. Although the Bears lost 33-30 to Brick Memorial (BM) and 38-30 to Toms River East (TRE), Luciani is confident that his strong team benefitted from the experience.
“We played two well coached and excellent programs. Regardless of the scores our kids will only get better by wrestling that type of competition,” said Luciani.
While not discouraged, Luciani realized that the Bears will need to build on the losses.
“Opportunities were still provided that could have allowed us to still win the two matches we lost, they were able to capitalize on our mistakes and we paid a premium price for those mistakes,” added Luciani.
Against BM, the headline match of the day was a battle at 135 between Brearley’s Kenny Knapp and BM’s Mike Morales, won by Morales 8-1.The two had faced off in the state’s quarterfinals last spring, with Morales also prevailing and Knapp knows that to win the state title he will have to solve his tough opponent.
“Morales is an extremely quick and agile athlete. He keeps constant pressure on you and takes advantage of poor position by his opponent. It was a very good match. Kenny bumped up to wrestle him and showed why he is one of our captains and leaders of our team,” said Luciani.
Sophomore Anthony Madonia helped Brearley to fast starts in both matches with a pair of pins. A district champion last year, Madonia is off to a fast start.
“Anthony has really dedicated himself to the sport this past off season and really wants to make some noise throughout the dual meet season and then attack his goals he set for the post season. He works hard and is improving everyday in the room,” said Luciani.
Fellow sophomore Dan Ries also won twice, pinning his TRE opponent in 3:20 and winning a 3-0 decision against his BM opponent. Senior co-captain Joe Lospinoso also won twice, gaining a forfeit and a 14-1 win. His freshman brother Nick, split his two matches but Luciani is pleased with his progress.
“Nicky is learning what high school wrestling is all about. Last year he was 50-0 and a State Champion but the level of wrestling is much different and there always is an adjustment period. He continues to improve,” said Luciani.
Devin Geoghegan scored a 3:03 pin at 145 for the Bears’ other win against TRE. Umar Taramov had a ten second pin at 160 and his brother Khusen won 9-4 against BM. Travis Dilts was also victorious with a 4:35 pin at 215.
The schedule gets even tougher this weekend with tough matches against Washington Township, Buena and Walkill Valley at Buena, which is located in Atlantic County, over 100 miles away. With a 10 am start to the matches, the bus will leave Kenilworth around the time the roosters are crowing, but for Luciani it goes with the territory of building a strong team.
“Yes, it’s another early bus ride for weigh ins. Only in wrestling does one get this enjoyment.”