Photo above: The Glen Rock High School Wrestling team huddles before a match. Photo by Simon Toffell.
The Glen Rock High School Wrestling team achieved an impressive goal this season by qualifying for the state sectional playoffs for the first time since 2014 and the first time as a stand-alone program since 2001. But the Panthers’ stay in the playoffs was short, as they were soundly beaten Monday by NJIC Division rival Emerson/Park Ridge, the defending North 1, Group 2 state champions, by 72-6.
Junior Jacob Slump, a 220-pounder wrestling up in the 285-pound weight class, recorded Glen Rock’s only victory in the match, pinning his opponent in the final bout of the evening. Aside from Slump, all of Glen Rock’s wrestlers were pinned except for junior captain Kyle Fisher and senior captain Tim Schmitt, who each lost on points at the 152-pound and 170-pound classes, respectively.
The Panthers did sweep a quad meet on Saturday at Ramapo High School, beating Elmwood Park, Pascack Hills and host Ramapo. Schmitt and fellow senior captain Kevin Pinzoni (132 pounds) each won all three matches in the meet, while junior Ricky Correa (138) won two on the mat, both by pinfall, and a third via forfeit. The night before, on Friday, Feb. 3, Glen Rock lost to Pompton Lakes, 52-18. Sophomore Ben Or-Chen (106), junior Matt Sapoff (145) and Slump (220) were Glen Rock’s winners on the night, all by pin.
The Panthers, who are 15-9 overall in dual meets, return to action Wednesday night, Feb. 8, with a road clash against Pascack Valley before ending their dual meet regular season Friday, Feb. 10, with a home matchup against Manchester, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Glen Rock High School gym.
