What a weekend in AC… These guys literally work their whole lives just to make it down there… and to place or win is a huge accomplishment. Nobody really comes away from states very happy… unless you win it all (like Rob) or you way outwrestle your seed and make a good run that nobody expects (Eddie)..

We had 7 wrestlers make it states this year:

Jake Glantzman- Wall Wrestling JR 126 LB- Jake didn’t get any wins down in AC this year but when we started off last off-season the goal was to get to AC after not making it out of districts last season. So it was a great season for Jake.

Alec Meyers- Old Bridge Wrestling SR 145 LB- Alec really had a memorable season with some big wins. He accomplished his goa of making it AC and he had a win down there making it to wrestle back 2.

Jake Whitworth- Wall Wrestling FR 152 LB- Jake could easily have made states last year and his goal coming into this year was to make states but also to place… He fell short of his goal but Jake is a guy that I know is going to do some big things before its all over. He lost his opener then won 2 in a row before falling the 3rd wrestle back.

Paul Jakub – Howell Wrestling SO 152 LBs – Paul had a really solid sophomore year. He didn’t reach his goals after making AC as a freshman he really wanted to place this year. Pauly won districts and got 2nd in the region and was seeded 8th in the state for AC but a few tough losses ended his weekend early. I fully expect him to rebound stronger than ever.

Eddie Hummel- Roselle Park Wrestling SO 126 LB- When I met Eddie last off-season he had just come off his freshman season where he was stuck behind one of the top wrestlers in the state and didn’t get to compete in the post-season. His goal was to make AC as well and after not wrestling much varsity as a freshman he really made a name for himself. Eddie won his district, then placed 2nd in Regions and then was given the 16th seed at states. He won his 1st match and was paired up with the #1 seed from Bergen Catholic. Everybody expected him to get pinned but he gave the kid a fight and didn’t back down losing a MD. After that he went to the wrestle backs and rattled off 4 wins in a row to secure a place on the podium placing 6th! This was an incredible weekend for Eddie and he is a joy to train and to watch wrestle… Can’t wait for the next few years!

Shane Reitsma- Howell Wrestling JR 170 LBs- Shane placed 2nd at states. This is a huge accomplishment and for many they would be extremely happy but Shane was ranked #1 all year and even beat his finals opponent in Regions. His goal in the beginning of the year was to be a State Champ and he fell just short. I know Shane will come back next year stronger, better, and ready to win it all.

Rob Kanniard- Wall Wrestling JR 160 LB- What can I say… State Champ! 1 loss in 2 years, 3x placer at states, Shore Conference all time wins leader, Rutgers bound. He deserves his own write up this week.