The Bergen Catholic Crusaders are back with yet another great team, after upsetting Delbarton and beating The Christian Brothers Academy in the Non-Public A state finals, they will look to stay at the top of New Jersey. It will not be easy considering there are teams like St. Joes Regional and Delbarton fighting to knock them off.
They return 6 state medalists along with 2 state qualifiers, and Region 5th and 6th place finisher. We expect another great season from the Crusaders as they will look to continue their past success. Senior 215 pounder AJ Fricchione is looking to win his first state title after taking 2nd and 3rd in previous years.
Keep an eye out for freshmen Mason Marck and Seach Hibler if given an opportunity they could make some noise and help Bergen Catholic stay on top of the rankings.
Projected Lineup
106: Fr. Seach Hibler
113: Jr. Brian Melamud
Coming off a 5th place finish, Melamud is expected to recreate his past success this upcoming season as he is currently ranked 5th at 113 pounds.
120: Jr. Chris Nucifora
126: Jr. Noah Kochman
132: Sr. Aidan Wallace
The 3x State Medalist has alot to prove as he will be going for his 4th medal, but will also be contending for a state title.
138: Jr. Ryan Ford
Coming off a 7th place finish, the 2x state place winner is looking to contend for a title, however that is a tough task considering Tyler Vazquez and Anthony Santianello
144: Jr. August Hibler
150: Sr. Chris Bacchioni
After having a disappointing finish this past season, the 2021 state 5th place winner is expected to have a flashback to his previous seasons and place this year as we have him currently ranked 7th at 150 pounds
157: Sr. Eric Broadie
165: Sr. Jake Zargo
175: Sr. Justin Onello
The 2x state place winner is poised for a serious run at the title this season, he is currently ranked 4th at 175 but he has wrestled close matches with #3 Sabino Portella
190: Jr. Pantaleo Varga
215. Sr. AJ Fricchione
The last year 3rd and 2021 state runner up is ready to breakthrough the wall and win his state title, he is currently ranked 1st at 215 and there seems to be a huge gap from #1 to #2 in that weight class
285: So. Ben Shue
