Champions

For the first time since 2004 Ocean County did not produce a state wrestling champion as the three who advanced into the finals all came up short Sunday before more than 10,000 fans at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For the second straight year Southern’s Kyle Casaletto was denied a title by High Point’s Nicholas Francavilla with the Ram senior falling 3-0 at 125 pounds and finishing an outstanding career with 120 wins and 3 region and district championships.
Toms River South sophomore B.J. Clagon dropped a 4-2 decision to Anthony Perrotti of West Essex at 130 pounds but with two years left he figures to have a good chance to become the Indians first state champ since 1984. Jackson Memorial’s Dallas Winston lost to James Fox of St. Peter’s Prep at 189 pounds but he’ll be back next winter looking to get to the top of the podium. In addition to the three runner-ups, Ocean County had a pair of wrestlers earn 3rd place finishes in 152-pounder Connor Brennan of Brick and Central Regional’s Kalyph Hardy at 160 pounds.

While there was some disappointment for the Winston family Sunday with Dallas falling in the finals, older brother Scott gave them reason to celebrate in Jackson.
The former three-time Jaguars state champ became the first Rutgers wrestler to win an Eastern Intercollegiate Association championship since 2001 when he claimed the 165-pound title at Bucknell University. The Scarlet Knights placed third in the event behind the nation’s top-ranked team Cornell and runner-up Lehigh. Winston and several of his teammates will take part in the NCAA Championships which begin in Philadelphia on Thursday.

Central Regional sophomore Evan Mahoney came up just short in his bid to win an NJSIAA Swimming championship Sunday as he finished 2nd in the 100-yard freestyle at the Meet of Champions. Mahoney also collected a 4th place finish in the 100 breaststroke to cap an outstanding season in the pool.

10th seeded Rancocas Valley travels to #5 Jackson Memorial in tonight’s surprising Central Jersey Group 4 Boys Basketball Championship matchup at 6pm. The Jaguars have beaten shore teams Howell, Brick Memorial and Middletown North to reach the final while Rancocas Valley has victories over Hillsborough, East Brunswick and North Brunswick. The Manchester boys and Point Boro girls will play for sectional titles on Tuesday.

(Note: There was no Hometown View on Friday, March 4, 2011)