By Warren Rappleyea
Although his lineup is filled, for the most part, with youthful competitors, Sayreville War Memorial High School wrestling coach Marcus Ivy is confident his squad will be competitive this winter.
Thus far, the Bombers are 2-4, posting victories over Highland Park High School and The Pingry School, while falling to Woodbridge High School, North Hunterdon High School, Seton Hall Preparatory School and South Brunswick High School. The Bombers did turn in a solid performance at the recent Neptune Classic, finishing seventh out of 14 teams.
One of the bright spots for the Blue and Gray is heavyweight Michael Porcaro. Last year, Porcaro wrestled for the junior varsity team while serving as backup to his brother, Anthony, on the varsity squad. The elder Porcaro won the Greater Middlesex Conference and Region V tournaments with a spectacular campaign. He also noted that wrestling against his brother in practice made him a better grappler.
Michael Porcaro has won all eight of his matches, taking first place in both the Neptune Classic and the East Brunswick Bear Invitational. He last wrestled varsity as a sophomore when he compiled a 17-9 record at 220 pounds.
“It’s early, and Michael has already defeated some very good wrestlers,” Ivy said. “I know it was tough for him not to wrestle varsity last year, but he did to help his brother. It helped Michael, too. He literally had to go up against one of the best wrestlers in the state every day in practice.”
Other key members of the team include senior Ralph Feola, who is expected to make an impact at 132 pounds, and sophomore Trevor Mastoreo, who is 6-3 so far after winning 16 times a year ago. The addition of Mykhaylo Khalabudyuk at 160 pounds looks like another plus. Ivy believes the newcomer, who is 3-3, has the potential to have a strong season. Junior Brandon Alicea has been impressive at 126 pounds.
Ed Mish, who won eight matches at 106 pounds, moves to 113 this time, around and Alex Coelho has moved up one weight class to 138 points. Both are sophomores.
The remainder of Sayreville’s lineup includes senior Isaac Jodar (145); junior Aaron Bartlett (182); sophomores Nino Oneto (170), Savon Kirksey (195), George Leiva (195) and Benedict Arthur (220); and freshmen Darren Figeuroa (106), Michael Tamburri (145) and Joey Porcaro (195).
“We’re young for sure,” Ivy said. “Still, there are plenty of matches we can win, and I really expect that our guys are going to be competitive in every match. We have some talented guys; it’s important that they use the experience they’re getting to keep improving.”
