Newton wrestling celebrates 100th season

The Newton High School wrestling program, proudly known for numerous superbly talented student athletes and teams over many, many decades is celebrating a hugely important milestone this winter season.

“This is the 100th season of Newton wrestling,’’ Newton coach Eric Bollette said. “We are holding a celebration on Friday, Jan. 30 during a match against Jefferson.’’

Key returning varsity tested wrestlers for the Braves include Jacob McConnell (senior, 113 pounds), Layne Smith (sophomore, 120 pounds), Ethan Whitesell (senior, 126 pounds), Micky Varga (junior, 132/138 pounds), Tyler Morodan (senior, 157 pounds), Tim McNamara (junior, 165 pounds), Braxton Guerra (junior, 165 pounds), Joey Melillo (junior, 175 pounds), Matt Hibbits (junior, 190 pounds) and Sean Brown (senior, 285 pounds).

Among the promising newcomers to the varsity lineup are Wyatt Kreutle (freshman, 120/126 pounds), Jake McNamara (freshman, 132/138 pounds), Jaeden Olivo (freshman, 144 pounds), Carson Tellbuescher (junior, 144 pounds), Caulder Tellbuescher (sophomore, 150 pounds), Sal Infinito (sophomore, 150 pounds), Michael Cooke (senior, 190/215 pounds) and Nasen Cruz (junior, 215 pounds).

“Tyler Morodan, Tim McNamara, Joey Melillo and Braxton Guerra are all experienced varsity wrestlers who have been through tough matches and work hard in the room,’’ Bollette said. “They lead by example and have a great work ethic.’’

The Braves posted 11 wins last season with a perfect mark of 4-0 in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Colonial Division. This season they compete in the NJAC Freedom Division along with High Point, Hackettstown, Kittatinny and Lenape Valley.

“We are hoping to wrestle well both in the conference and in the (NJSIAA) Team sectional tournament,’’ Bollette said. “We feel we can have a good amount of our team qualify for regionals and hope to earn some trips to states and a few state medals. High Point is the clear favorite, but we hope to be able to contend with all the teams in the division.”

Newton/Kittatinny Girls Wrestling

A co-op team with a balanced lineup as well as outstanding individual wrestlers will compete in a tournament at Parsippany Hills High School on Dec. 26.

“We hope to contend for league, county and sectional titles,’’ Bollette said.

Key returning varsity tested wrestlers include Addison Petersen (sophomore, 107 pounds), Kameko Sibblies (senior, 120 pounds), Abby Bloxham (senior, 126/132 pounds), Bria Beshada (sophomore, 132/138 pounds), Jasmine Chrits (junior, 132/138 pounds), Eva Barry (senior, 145 pounds), Stella Ramos (junior, 152 pounds), Brianna Murray (junior, 185 pounds) and Abby Paglia (senior, 235 pounds).

Promising newcomers include Eva Denna (freshman, 107-114 pounds), Hannah Harrison (freshman, 126/132 pounds), Ellen Blanco-Chavez (freshman, 152 pounds), Stephanie Diaz (sophomore, 152 pounds) and Sophia Baquerizo (freshman, 165 pounds).

“All of our returning starters have been through some battles throughout the past few years and are ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season,’’ Bollette said.

Eva Barry is a two-time state runner up, and had 90 career wins before the start of the season. She is looking to be the first Sussex County female wrestler to win 100 career matches.

Newton-Kittatinny had an excellent record of 12-2 last winter. The NJAC also will have a girls’ wrestling league championship for the first time this season.

“All of the teams are pretty even so it is up for grabs,” Bollette said. “It should be fun.”