North Bergen wrestling coach Jerry Maietta was asked recently to describe what the 2002-2003 wrestling season has been like.
"It’s been a little bit like a roller coaster ride," said Maietta, who is in his sixth year as head coach of the Bruins. "We’ve had our ups and we’ve had our downs. But we just keep plugging. We had kids in and out of the lineup for a variety of reasons. But we said all along that it’s about where you are at the end of the season. That’s all that matters."
The Bruins survived the bumps and bruises of the nasty grind called the regular season. They qualified for the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group IV playoffs last week, defeating Clifton before losing to eventual sectional champion West Milford. They took on some of the toughest teams in the state to get ready for the post-season tournaments.
Now, they’re here. The NJSIAA District 16 Tournament was scheduled to be held at North Bergen High School Saturday evening, with several of the Bruins hoping for the opportunity to earn the gold medal as District champions.
"I think our kids are battle-tested," Maietta said. "They’ve all wrestled against some quality opponents this year, to get to what everything leads up to. And everything leads up to late February and if you’re lucky, into March. It’s always a fun time of year."
Junior 119-pounder Steve Rodriguez heads the Bruins’ contingent of District 16 hopefuls. The talented Rodriguez won the 112-pound title in the District 16 tourney last year and headed into this year’s tourney in prime shape, evident by his 18-4 record.
"Steve has been wrestling well and going up against very good opponents all year," Maietta said.
Maietta said that Rodriguez will more than likely have to face one of the best 119-pounders in the state in Mike Marotta of St. Mary’s (Rutherford) sometime during the tournament.
Heavyweight Jose Cartegena (15-3) is another defending District champion. Cartegena, a senior who is ranked No. 2 in northern New Jersey in his weight class, has been battling an injury of late, but Maietta said that he’s finally healthy and ready to defend his title.
"He’s really come back strong," Maietta said.
Senior 152-pounder Alex Vasquez (21-3) also has a good shot of earning a medal at the District tournament.
"Alex is a hard worker who trains hard and has improved a lot this year," Maietta said. "It’s all come together for him. He’s a very good mat wrestler."
Senior 130-pounder Salam Diri (19-5) has also improved a lot this season. Diri was third in the District last year and finished third in the Bergen County Coaches’ Tournament. Diri also has a tough competitor in his weight class in Kearny’s Brian McDonnell.
Senior 171-pounder Frank Bravo (18-4) is another vastly improved wrestler who had District title hopes. Senior 189-pounder Eric Junco (17-4) and senior 215-pounder Miguel Rodriguez (17-5) are also wrestling well in Maietta’s eyes.
"They’re all strong kids who can hold their own," Maietta said. "We just have to see what happens."
Maietta believed that the Bruins could contend for the team title, along with St. Peter’s Prep, St. Mary’s of Rutherford and Kearny.
"I think we’re right there," Maietta said. "There are a lot of quality wrestlers in the District. It’s going to be interesting and it’s going to be a battle. It always is. I just hope we’re ready for it."
Chances are that the Bruins will have several wrestlers emerging from the District tournament, preparing for next weekend’s Region 4 tournament at Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls. – Jim Hague