Several wrestlers returning this year
WEST MILFORD. Teams to rely on some newcomers to replace seniors lost to graduation, coach says.
| 09 Dec 2024 | 05:00
Senior AJ DeFede is one of the returning wrestliers. (Photo courtesy of Frankie Corrado)
Senior Daxton Keller (157 pounds) also will compete again this year. (Photo courtesy of Frankie Corrado)
The West Milford High School boys and girls wrestling teams will face fierce competition this season.
Led by head coach Taylor Pevny, they are expected to be well-prepared.
West Milford will host a home meet Friday, Dec. 20.
“We want to continue to compete and add another great season to our historically successful program,’’ Pevny said.
Returning wrestlers include seniors Jesse Araujo (132 pounds), AJ DeFede (120 pounds), Nick Carbone (150 pounds), Daxton Keller (157 pounds) and Edip Oruli (190 pounds).
“All of them have varsity experience and have made an impact in our program over the past few years,’’ the coach said.
“Juniors returning with varsity experience include Justin Burke (126 pounds), Nick Triverio (157 pounds) and Jeffery Papienuk (215 pounds).
“Sophomores returning with varsity experience are Tyler Martinez (113 pounds) and Owen Menier (190 pounds).
“Our girls program is also taking off for the second season. Jackie Sloan (132 pounds) and Maddie Hammett (138 pounds) return to the varsity girls program.’’
Newcomers to the varsity level include juniors Charlie Kling (144 pounds) and Adonai Aarons (165 pounds) and sophomore Tyler Matthews (138 pounds).
“We will rely on some newcomers to the lineup to replace seniors that were lost to graduation,’’ Pevny said. “We lost some outstanding wrestlers to graduation last year.”
Newcomers to the girls squad include freshmen Ariana Canipe (132 pound) and Taylor Keegan (145 pounds).’
Pevny is looking to the more experienced wrestlers to be leaders this year.
“I always look for my seniors to lead our program,’’ he said. “They all have the most experience and have been around the program the longest. They understand the work that is required to be successful.
“These guys have experienced a conference championship and have won each year they have been here so they know what is expected of them.’’
The Highlanders posted a record of 16-8 last season. This year, they compete in the Big North Conference Independence Division.
“I don’t like to use the term rebuild, but we have to find ways as a coaching staff to replace many spots in the lineup that we lost to graduation,’’ Pevny said.
“We will be competitive as we have plenty of experience, but it is going to be a process throughout the season.’’
We will rely on some newcomers to the lineup to replace seniors that were lost to graduation. We lost some outstanding wrestlers to graduation last year.”
- Taylor Pevny, head wrestling coach, West Milford High School