By Stephen Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – It was as a perfect end to an impeccable career.
Fourteen seconds into the second round, Jackson's Scott Winston pinned DePaul's Scott Kelley to capture the 160 pound state title and polish off an astounding 137-0 career record in front of nearly 11,000 fans at the NJSIAA wrestling state finals at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
It was Winston's third consecutive state title. More importantly, it marks the first time a New Jersey wrestler has gone undefeated with more than 100 victories.
"I guess I was wrestling well," said the exasperated Winston, who was rushed by media members after receiving a standing ovation from the audience and a special plaque to commemorate his career achievements. "I just expect more of myself on the mat."
Winston had his way with a very accomplished opponent. Kelly entered the match sporting a 42-1 record and a Region 8 title. However, it seemed like Winston's opponent was irrelevant, his date with wrestling destiny unstoppable.
"I just train so hard. I go to two practices all the time. I train all summer," Winston said. "It's been one amazing run."
For Winston's coach, Doug Withstandley, it was Winston's preparation in small matters that allowed him to complete an undefeated career.
"The one thing Scottie's done a great job working on is focusing on what he has to do in terms of technique in the match, not wins and losses," Withstandley said. "He'll focus on the process and the outcome will work itself out. When you focus on the outcome, that's when guys get upset."
Credit is also due to Withstandley, according to Winston.
"You're not going to find a better coach in the next five years than coach Doug Withstandley," Winston said. "He's got his marbles in the right basket."
Winston's victory cements his status along with other greats like Mike Frick (Pope John), Damion Hahn (Lakewood), and Mike Grey (Delbarton) in the pantheon on New Jersey legends, possibly at its apex.
"It's simply amazing. It's almost flabbergasting," said Withstandley, himself a former New Jersey state champion.
The soft spoken senior also recognizes the magnitude of his accomplishment.
"A lot of great people have come through New Jersey and ended up with a loss," Winston said.
While New Jersey might not be tops on the list of great wrestling states, Winston said that the fan dedication to the sport was unmatched.
"The fans in New Jersey can't be any better. You're not going to find anything better in the whole United States. You come to New Jersey and your jaw drops," Winston said of the 39,833 fans who made their way to Boardwalk Hall this weekend.
Winston, who missed the state tournament his freshman year due to an injury, could have become only the second New Jersey wrestler ever to capture four state championships had he been healthy and victorious his ninth grade season.
"At the time, I definitely would've thought I could've won the state championship," Winston said. "I think I was wrestling some of my best wrestling freshman year, just attacking, not being as smart as I am now, but kind of being stupid...but so stupid that it was working."
The legend of Scott Winston in New Jersey will only continue to grow. He is committed to Rutgers University, where his parents will be able to watch him regularly.
"They're wrestling these matches with me," Winston said. "And it's a heck of a lot harder when you're in the stands."
Weekend Notes
- If there is anyone who can carry on Winston's torch of perfection, it could be Bound Brook freshman sensation Andrew Campolattano, who defeated Bergen Catholic's Jonathan Becker to claim the title in the 189 pound class. Campolattano pinned Sterling's Isaiah Miles in just 20 seconds to advance the finals, where he outlasted Becker and gained the respect and adoration of the crowd.
"Next year," said Campolattano, when asked after the match what was going through his mind after the victory. Already looking ahead, Campolatanno may have the drive to approach Winston's flawless record. It may be more difficult, however, as Campolattano already has a target on his back heading into next season.
- Another crowd favorite was 125 pound champion Jimmy Kirchner of Somerville. In a huge overtime upset on Saturday, Kirchner knocked off two-time defending champion Joe Trause of Bergen Catholic. The Cinderella run continued into the finals, where Kirchner used a double leg takedown to secure a 14-12 overtime victory against Washington Townships' Anthony Curcio.
The senior certainly went out with a bang, and enjoyed the ride.
"This whole weekend's been nothing but fun," Kirchner said.
- While the focus of the weekend was on individual performances, the High Point wrestling team received special attention for winning the team championship. Before the finals matches got underway, the High Point team was called to center mat to be congratulated by the fans. Additionally, head coach John Gardner received an award for being named New Jersey's coach of the year. The team's only loss all season was to Blair Academy, a prep program.
- The match in the 119 pound weight class may have been the most exciting all day. Camden Catholic's Taylor Walsh launched a furious comeback against Toms River East's Vinnie DelleFave. Trailing 6-2 at one point, Taylor narrowed the gap to 7-5 with less than a minute remaining. He then pulled off a controversial take down of DelleFave almost as time was expiring to tie the match and send it to overtime. Less than 20 seconds into the extra frame, DelleFave rebounded and took down Walsh to claim the title.
"I didnt wrestle my best in the second and third period," DelleFave said. "But I won, and that's all that matters."
As Taylor launched his comeback effort, the crowd rallied behind him. But DelleFave remained unfazed.
"Everywhere you go, they want to see the No. 1 seed lose," DelleFave said. "(But) I don't care."
- New Jersey wrestling fans at Boardwalk Hall were still talking about Mike Grey, who, in 2005, captured his fourth state title wrestling for Delbarton. On finals Sunday three years ago, scalpers were selling tickets for $100 just to get in and watch that monumental day in wrestling history.
Garden State grappling fans may not have to wait long for more heroics from the Grey family. Mark, Mike's younger brother, is only in grammar school but is already following his brother's footsteps on the mat. Word is that Mark could be even better than his older brother, having already captured several nation titles in his age group. He is expected to attend Delbarton, though rumors are circulating he might decide to attend wrestling powerhouse Blair Academy.
- Although Winston was able to win another state title, other returning state champs had mixed results. Ocean Township's Nick Manditto captured gold at 152. He gave Winston his toughest match of the year, forcing him to overtime. Trevor Melde, the defending champ at 140, was upset in the finals by sophomore Anthony Baldesero. Two defending champs went down early on Saturday with losses by both Trause and defending 112 champ Frank Cagnina (Queen of Peace).
Finals Results
103: Tyler Biscaha (Jackson), d. Rob Deutsch (Eastern), 4-2
112: Joey Langel (Howell), d. Mike Berardesco (Ocean Township), 6-2
119: Vinnie DelleFave (Toms River East), d. Taylor Walsh (Camden Catholic), 9-7 OT
125: Jimmy Kirchner (Somerville), d. Anthony Curcio (Washington Township), 14-12 OT
130: Derek Valenti (Kittatinny), d. Kodie Silvestri (Wallkill Valley), 2-0
135: Hank Stinson (Eastern), p. Joe Lospinoso (Brearley), 5:42
140: Anthony Baldesero (Delsea), p. Trevor Melde (DePaul), 5:59
145: Sean Byrnes (Jackson), d. Steve Santos (Brick Memorial), 7-1
152: Nick Menditto (Ocean Township), d. Greg Zannetti (J.P. Stevens), 10-1
160: Scott Winston (Jackson), p. Scott Kelley (Sacred Heart), 2:34
171: Brendan Ard (Watchung Hills), d. Dan Seidenberg (Raritan), 3-1 OT
189: Andrew Campolattano (Bound Brook), d. Jonathan Becker (Bergen Catholic), 4-2
215: Jesse Boyden (Brearley), d. Glenn Carson (Southern), 3-1
HWT: James Lawson (Manchester Township), d. Harry Turner (Howell), 4-3
