Roadrunner wrestling pride emerged in 2019 for the first time in many years when first-year coach Dan Antonelli assumed the reigns of a program that won six junior college national championships throughout its history.
Yes, the Runners rose to regional and national prominence once again by winning the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) championship followed by a second place finish in the Eastern District III championships.
"We've established a nice foundation and we're fortunate to have a core group who works hard and pushes each other on a daily basis," said Antonelli. "We have plenty of veteran leadership, and another great recruiting class."
The Runners open the season on Saturday, November 2 at home with a tri-match against Temple University and Montclair State starting at 11 am.
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Season Preview
Coach: Dan Antonelli, second year; former Clayton-Glassboro High wrestling coach with 300 career wins.
Assistants: Alex Reeves, Dylan Skidmore, Paul Toppin, Mark Fischer.
Last Season: Garden State Athletic Conference champions; Second in Eastern District II Championships; qualified six individual wrestlers for the 2019 NJCAA National Championships.
Season Opener: Tri-match on Saturday, Nov. 2, with Temple U and Montclair State U starting at 11:00 am.
Key Returnees: Tyler Baer (Pitman), 174, National qualifier; Jared Carr (Millville), 157, National qualifier; Dylan Fischer (West Deptford), 165, National qualifier; John Fountain (Deptford), heavyweight, National qualifier; Brandon Johnson (Williamstown), 184-197; Tate Merlino (Pitman), 133-141; Riley Ornarato (Paulsboro), 174-184; Mike Rubino (Northeast High), 141; Justin Boylan (Williamstown), 141-149.
Newcomers and Additional Contributors: Nick DiGiacomo (Timber Creek), 125; Luke Souder (Buena), 125-133; C.J. Mazzarelli (Delsea), 133; Evan Vandzura (Delsea), 149; Atlee Cullison (Kingsway), 149; Jon Stokes (Delsea), 165; Jerome Scott (Penns Grove), 165; Jaden Roberts (Buena), 184; Curtis Thomas (Delsea), 197; Matt Cruz (Gloucester), heavyweight; Austin Mooney (Paulsboro), heavyweight; David Iulucci (St. Joe's Hammonton, Ursinus College); Nick Carrero (Absegami), 141; Jason Schmidt (Bridgeton); Shane Kelly (West Deptford).
Outlook for 2019-20: The Runners are simply loaded heading into the new season. Most of Antonelli's starters have legitimate shots at qualifying for the National Championship Tournament once again, and this team is the clear favorite to repeat as GSAC champions and a top contender again to capture a District crown.
Coach Dan Antonelli on 2019-20 season: "We have set high expectations for this group and they are working hard to achieve their goals," said Antonelli. "We're excited to start the new season."
