GRHS wrestling team preps for ECT

The Glen Ridge High School varsity wrestling team will gear up for the Essex County Tournament on Friday Jan. 27 and Saturday Jan. 28 at Codey Arena in West Orange.
The Ridgers have a young team this season, with 13 of 16 wrestlers in the ninth or 10th grade. In addition, five are first-time wrestlers.
Despite the struggles, the Ridgers continue to work hard and maintain high spirits, GRHS head coach Kendall Southerland said.
Among some of the ECT hopefuls for the Ridgers are sophomores John Faugno, who competes in the 152-pound weight class, and Nate Cohen, who vies in the 138-pound class. Both had 20 wins as freshmen last season.
Frst-time wrestler Dan Mueller has been a pleasant surprise with a winning record, and freshman John Candela, at the 106-pound class, also is having a good season with a winning record, Southerland said.
Captains Matt Markowitz and P.J. Chierico provide leadership.