The Regionals are just another step in the path for New Jersey (NJ) wrestlers to reach Atlantic City (AC). It is a time when many wrestlers’ dreams will either come true or be crushed. All NJ wrestlers dream of making it down to Atlantic City and wrestling in Boardwalk Hall in the front of hundreds of people. The NJ Wrestling State Finals is truly a special experience that cannot be compared to any other sports experience that the state has to offer. But to get to AC Wrestlers must place in the top three in three respective regions. Placing in the top three means that you are in top 24 of your weight class in the whole state of New Jersey. For any wrestler this is a truly amazing feat.
Madison sent four wrestlers to Regions and was lucky enough to pull through with a second place finisher. Dom Luppino won his first match in Regions but faced many tough wrestlers and did not make it any further. Yianni Kostidakis and Zach Evens put up tough fights but could not pull off a victory. All hopes of sending a wrestler to AC came down to Donovan Mantone. Mantone came into the tournament in the preceded three with a very tough road to place in the top three. Donovan shocked many when he made it to the finals vs. Parsippany Hills’ Steven Hills. Donovan put a great fight versus the number one seed in the tournament, only losing to him in the third period. By making it to the finals, Donovan secured his ticket to AC, win or lose in the finals. Donovan will be leaving school early on Friday to face Frank Fortino of Haddonfield in the preliminaries. If Donovan has a great tournament he has a chance to place in the top 8 at the 220lb weight class. If Donovan were to place he would be one of only five Madison Wrestlers to ever place in states. Win or lose, Donovan has had an amazing season and will always be remembered in Madison Wrestling History.