ROTTER UCT CHAMP, MAKES AC; ZEMSKY MAKES AC

Graduating a mass of varsity starters and returning only five with decent varsity experience became quite a challenge for the Westfield High School wrestling team this season. But despite the challenge, the majority of the Blue Devils stuck to the program’s standards, had one Union CountyTournament (UCT) champion, qualified two for the NJSIAA Tournament at Boardwalk Hall inAtlantic City (AC), competed in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 5 semifinals and finished with a 12-10 record.

“We knew this year was going to be a challenge due to the graduation of so many starters. We adjusted our expectations in terms of wins and losses, but tried to hold the team to the same standards in terms of the way they prepared and managed their lives off the mat. Some of us bought in, some did not,” Blue Devil Head Coach Glen Kurz explained.

The Blue Devils opened their season with a 55-22 win over Elizabeth then bowed to a very tough Governor Livingston Highlander squad, 49-16. After topping theAL Johnson Crusaders, 57-19, the Blue Devils lost to Rahway, 51-21, and Clifton, 57-21. Three straight wins – Teaneck (39-30), Bloomfield (42-33), Linden (48-33) boosted the Blue Devils’ record to 5-3.

Next, a trip down to the shore resulted in losses to Rumson-Fair Ha- ven, Jackson Liberty and Long Branch. A win over Roselle Park was followed by a loss to the Cranford Cougars, who would win their ninthstraight UCT title. Four straight victories – Brearley, Somerville, New Providence, Scotch Plains-Fanwood – put the Blue Devils’ record at 10-7.

The Blue Devils completed their regular season with losses to St. Thomas Aquinas and Howell. With the third seed at the North 2, Group 5 Tournament, the Blue Devils defeated Elizabeth then lost to Bridgewater-Raritan in the semifinals.

Senior Max Rotter competed at 120lbs and won the UCT title. Additionally, he placed second in the district then battled his way from the seventh seed to place second at the Region 4 Tournament and qualify forAC. Rotter finished with a 24-13 record.

“Max Rotter qualifying is one of the best stories in all my years here. He did not wrestle as a freshman due to Covid, was 8-16 as a sophomore with half his wins coming by forfeit. To have him wrestling in the region finals two years later is a testament to his hard work and belief in himself,” Coach Kurz said.

Sophomore Jake Zemsky, although missing several matches and the UCT due to injury, recovered well to place second in the district at 190-lbs and third at the Region 4 Tournament to qualify for AC where he won a bout. Zemsky, who also took second at the Roselle Park Tournament (RPT) in December, finished with a 20-8 record.

Coach Kurz commented, “Having Max and Jake qualify for the state tournament was a great way to end. They were two of the kids who did everything right, and it was great to see them be rewarded for their efforts. For Jake, not only qualifying but winning a match in Atlantic City was huge. It not only gives him strong seeding criteria for next year, but should give him a lot of confidence going forward.”

Sophomore Luke Sluberski, who won the RPT at 132-lbs, placed second in the district at 126-lbs and finished 23-15. Sophomore Dan Berardi competed at 113-lbs and 106lbs. He placed third in the district at 106-lbs and finished with a 20-12 record. Freshman Jake Conti (106), who took third at the RPT, finished 14-5. Junior Dylan Sontz, who won the RPT 138-lb crown, also competed at 144-lbs and finished 20-11.

Junior Jack McDermott (3rd in RPT at 165-lbs), placed third in the UCT at 157-lbs and finished 19-15. The other senior on the varsity, Noah Neimiera, competed at 285-lbs and 215-lbs, and finished 11-17. Freshman Rob DeRick (150-lbs) finished 10-8. Sophomore Elias Wood (150-lbs) finished 4-12. Junior Matt Zheng (138, 144) finished 6-13. Junior Nik Diziki (165) finished 4-17. Others with some varsity time were sophomore Josh Semler (113), junior Seth Bekker (132) and sophomore Nik Sporanza (1750.

With the exception of two, the Blue Devils will return a large group of matmen with varsity experience.

Coach Kurz concluded, “We are young and have a lot of kids coming back. There is definitely talent in the room – our future success will depend on whether we mature and make a full commitment or not.”