The Middletown North wrestling program has been regarded as one of the best in the Shore Conference and in the state of New Jersey in recent years.  After graduating two of the most decorated wrestlers in Middletown North history in Nicko Cofone and Stanley Wojdylak, most programs expectations might be set lower. Middletown North is feeling confident heading into this year’s season under Head Coach Matt Sirchio, who is entering his 13th season as the Lions leader.  The program will be looking to capture the B-North Division and District 22 championship this season with many experienced and successful wrestlers returning. With the move of Long Branch to the Class A North division, the Lions will look to be crowned the new division champion in Class B North this season. Middletown North will have to compete with tough programs such as Ocean and Colts Neck in order to accomplish this team goal. 

Middletown North will return six district medalists and two state qualifiers from last year’s squad. The Lions will be led by junior Tyler Klinsky, whom is a two time district champion, a region champion and who also won 40 matches last season. Klinsky will either wrestle at 106 or 113 pounds depending on the strategy that Coach Sirchio wants to deploy.

The Lions roster also features 195 pound senior Jacob Anderson, who went 33-3 with a District 17 championship and a third-place finish in Region 5 during the 2017-18 campaign.

The Lions will look to the middle of their lineup to be the difference in taking the B-North title.   Juniors Thomas O’Keefe and Freddy Luchs will be leaned on to make a difference this year. O’Keefe (106 lbs.) who won 32 matches last season and placed second in districts and Freddy Luchs (120 lbs.) whom won 28 matches and also placed second in districts will play a vital role.  Senior Nate Pujols (138 lbs.). Pujols was 24-14 and placed third at districts will also be an important contributor. Sirchio also believes that hard working sophomore Nico Cerbo can fill the spot left by Cofone’s graduation. Cerbo was victorious in 21 matches last season, whiling also placing third at districts.  

The Lions lineup also features senior Caleb Dean to provide leadership along with juniors: Enrico Astorino, Chris McCarthy, Michael Puzo, Richie Wall, Eddie Farrell, Gabe Lubrano, Andrew Kanski.  The Lions also have a strong Sophomore class that includes: Lucas Santos, Jack Butler, Grant Heller, Kyle Puzo, John Cuttrel, and Andrew Zamor. The Lions also have Shawn Sullivan, a ninth grader, rounding out their lineup.

Coach Sirchio believes that this is a very competitive and driven group.  “This team features a talented group with experience. We will look for the senior leadership of Jacob Anderson and Nate Pujols to be the driving force behind the success of this year’s team” said Sirchio.

Good Luck to the Lions Wrestling program, whom open up their regular season