The Minutemen were well represented this year as four members of the Township wrestling team were sent to the NJSIAA Wrestling State Championship.
Sophomores Colton Hagerty, Christian Hoopes, Dylan Hetzel, and Micheal Horn all participated in States, an event that took place over three days in Atlantic City.
In the 113-weight class, Cole Hagerty was the only member of the Minutemen to place in the tournament. Hagerty placed 7th overall in his class after a win by decision against St. John Vianney’s Matthew Gould.
Christian Hoopes also made a strong showing in the 120 class by advancing to the pre-quarterfinal round. He then made it to the fourth round of wrestlebacks, ultimately losing to Red Bank Catholic’s Noah Micheals.
In the 138-weight class Micheal Horn lost his preliminary matchup but was able to make it to the second round of wrestlebacks with a win by decision over New Providence’s Braeden Valley. Dylan Hetzel lost his preliminary and wrestlebacks matches by decision.
Head Coach Eric Ring mentioned all four sophomores as standout players that have improved greatly over the past year. Ring praised the class saying, “that sophomore class came in ready to win right away and they continued to do so.”
Sophomore Micheal Horn said he made “lots of progress for one year” when asked about his improvement upon his freshman season. He mentioned how he didn’t make states last year, and that this year he was not only able to make states but win a match.
This marks the end of a terrific season for the Minutemen wrestling team. With only three losses, the team finished with a 17-3 record and were Tri-County champs for the first time since joining the Tri-County, their third consecutive district title.
Coach Ring attributes the success of the team to the program for preparing the players, and the players for putting the necessary work in.
“It’s a credit to our youth program. They’ve done a great job getting these guys ready for high school as well as the middle school program, and it’s also a credit to the coaching staff that I have at the high school. As well as the kids. It’s great to have good coaches, but if the kids aren’t coachable, if they’re not willing to put in the time it doesn’t matter if you’re the best coach in the world,” said Ring.
The team’s season unfortunately ended at the hands of district rival Kingsway in the semi-finals. Despite a disappointing ending, the Minutemen had a season full of success and accomplishments and now they look to build upon it next year.
Coach Ring says that he will continue to evaluate, make adjustments, and stay on the cutting edge of a constantly evolving sport. When asked about what the team needs to do to carry success into next season, Ring said the improvement starts with putting in the time and work.
“If you want to continue to be successful and continue to get better, the only way to do that is to put in the time and work. Obviously in the weight room and on the wrestling mat. I know a lot of our guys are lifting doing the spring lifting, a lot of our guys are getting practice in when they can and competing throughout the offseason. You know that’s pretty much the name of the game. The more you wrestle the more you’re going to improve,” said Ring.
With a 17-3 record and a district title to defend, the team has lots to be proud of and a lot to play for next year. With Coach Ring and a young core full of potential, the future of Minutemen wrestling looks brighter then ever. As the team prepares for another season, many are anxious to see how far this team can go.
