The 2017-2018 wrestling team, which was made up of only two seniors, Carlos Mercado and Jason Kopich, has concluded its season with a 6-12 record. “This was a rebuilding year for the team,” stated Coach Settembrino.

“Overall, it was a good season. It was a slow start, but we began winning toward the end. I made a big improvement from sophomore year. I grew a lot as an athlete and was able to increase my personal record by a significant amount over the past three years,” said Carlos.

Furthermore, Jason was the heavyweight champion for District 10, and Sophomore Michael Rodriguez, who wrestled at 106 pounds, placed second. Meanwhile, juniors Hamza Chah and Adib Korabi placed fourth. Jason, an All-NJIC first-team wrestler, and Michael then continued on to Regionals where Jason placed sixth and Michael placed second.

Hamza commented that he feels like he had a good season even though he was not able to end it off the way he wanted. He noted that he has improved so much since freshman year though. “You don’t just wake up a state champion,” he said.

As a veteran wrestling coach for 15 seasons, this year’s team taught Mr. Settembrino that the athletes have a lot of work to do in the off-season if they want to get back to competing at a high level as a team. He also believes that next year’s group will be better prepared with eleven starters.

As for his last wrestling season, Carlos stated, “I learned so much about strength, technique, and life lessons. I am very grateful for the team and Coach Settembrino. The sport changed me for the better, and I really grew a connection to the team and the coach.”

Overall, Coach Settembrino’s most memorable match this year was against Ridgefield Park on Feb 9 (Becton 42- RP 22).