Thursday, February 12, 2008

By Cory K. Doviak
NJS.com Editorial Director

FRANKLIN LAKES -- Despite the fact that the Ramapo wrestling team missed out on the state sectional playoffs by a mere .03 power points, the Green Raiders are still having an outstanding season. Ramapo won its first ever NBIL Division 1 wrestling championship and it improved to 21-3 with its 36-21 win over Mount Olive on Wedneday night.

The Green Raiders have also had some lofty individual accomplishments this season as Chris D'Amico is tied for the school record in career wins (102) with 2005 graduate Jimmy Schultz and Victor Kipiani's 22 pins this season have established a new school record.

Against Mount Olive, Ramapo got wins from Justin Scheinert (7-5 at 103 pounds), Nick Madormo (7-1 at 119), Joe Nacco (9-2 at 125), Greg Madormo (pin at 130), Terek Molamusa (pin at 135), Brian Gibbs (4-1 at 145), Kipiani (6-3 at 152), Jimmy O'Connor (5-3 at 160), Jack Bandazian (pin at 189) and Pat Taranto (3-1 at 285). It was Bandazian who sealed the win for Ramapo when he escaped a cradle late in the first period and then pinned at in 2:47 to supply his team the clinching points.

We have all of the pictures, (which you can see by clicking here), and you can hear all about it by listenting to the interview we did with head coach Drew Gibbs after the match. To hear the NJS.com Audio Spotlight just click on the arrow in the media player above and keep us in mind when you have news to report. You can reach us at: editor@northjerseysports.com or 201.383.2024