By Jimmy Allinder
Considering the improvement Gaven Ringwood has made since he was a freshman for the Bishop George Ahr High School wrestling team, he could certainly move on to the collegiate level.
But that’s not going to happen, says the rising senior.
“After this season, that’s going to be it,” Ringwood said. “I’ve had many memorable moments and being named captain my junior year was extra special. I felt privileged my coach, [Nick Tonzola], would consider me for that responsibility.”
Tonzola said selecting Ringwood to lead the Trojans wasn’t difficult even though he was an underclassman.
“Gaven was an obvious choice in my mind,” he said. “He is a two-time [NJSIAA] district champion and everything he accomplished was the result of hard work. He’s been a great example, and we will be counting on his leadership to help our team compete for the [Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC)], GMC [White] Division and district team titles.”
Tonzola believes Ringwood, who missed qualifying for the state finals in Atlantic City the past two seasons, has an excellent chance of making the trip this season. Ringwood’s win-loss records for the last three seasons prove he’s moving in the right direction.
As a freshman competing at 106 pounds, Ringwood placed fourth in the district and sixth in the GMC Tournament, ending the season with a 19-15 record. The following year, also wrestling at 106 pounds, he captured his first district title, finished runner-up in the GMCs and missed a trip to the state finals by two places in the region. His win-loss record improved to 24-10.
Ringwood’s repeated as district champion last winter when he moved up a weight class (113 pounds), was sixth place in a more competitive GMC Tournament and earned fifth again in the region. His overall record was 27-13.
Ringwood said much of his focus next season will be directed toward qualifying for Atlantic City and tap into the experience he’s acquired as a varsity wrestler.
“Once I’m on the mat, I don’t really think about anything but beating my opponent,” Ringwood said. “I’ve practiced my moves and motions so many times, they have become second nature. What’s in my mind is getting the other guy on his back as fast as possible.”
A rigorous training regimen and practice routine is the essence of what has paved the way for Ringwood’s success. As far as his responsibilities as captain, Ringwood’s learned nothing sends a more powerful message to his teammates than being a relentless worker.
“I try and give my best every day because to be the best you have to train like the best,” he said. “From the beginning to end of practice, I make sure every teammate has left [it] all on the mat.”
Ringwood recognized wrestling could present challenges in terms of handling his schoolwork, but he’s managed it well.
“I keep a balance between the time demands of my sport and school by planning during the week,” he said. “I allot the necessary time to study and if I feel I’m falling behind in a class, I can go to my teacher and ask for extra help. That way, I am always on track.”
Ringwood’s planning has resulted in a 3.0 grade-point average, which will enable him to attend a quality college. He is undecided on where he will matriculate and what his major will be.
He has had the backing of his family and high school coach who have always supported him throughout his career. His parents, Kyle and Sherry, brother, Tyler, aunt, Jen [Nasto], and cousins, Gabriella and Victoria, have closely followed Ringwood and are eagerly anticipating his final season at Bishop Ahr.
“My family means a lot to me, and I‘ve always found them when they’re in the stands, because they cheer so loud,” he said. “Between matches my dad sometimes talks to me about what happened and what moves I can make to win.
“Lastly, I want to thank coach Tonzola. Without him and his advice throughout my career at Bishop Ahr, I wouldn’t be the wrestler I am today.”
Ringwood hopes to achieve even better results in his final season at Bishop Ahr.
