Bound Brook Wrestling

Some things never change, and one thing that never changed for the Class of 2001 wrestling team members was success on the mats. During their tenure Central Jersey Group I title’s became automatic, and other titles were always coming. The Class of 2001 finished the year with two state placerwinners, marking the first time since the years1960 and 1961 in which Bound Brook had multiple state placewinners during consecutive years. The Crusaders started the year at the Ridgefield Tournament and although the Crusaders had won the last five titles at this tournament, they were beaten out by North Bergen High School this season. That didn’t mean the Brook did not have success there, as they produced five champions and three runners-up and two third placers. Although surprised by their second place finish, the Crusaders worked very hard over the Christmas break and were able to become the Somerset County Champions. Winners included Andrey Sharapov, Rich Jannuzzi and Chris Knapp. Brad Galeta, Tommy Lee and Jason Huzinec were runner-ups and John Caemmerer took third to bolster the championship run. Next up for Bound Brook was their annual trip to Eastern Pennsylvania, and the Zephyr Duals. The Brook had a difficult time with the tough Pennsylvania competition and had to settle for a 5th place finish in the 16 team tournament. Starting here the team fought the injury/flu bug and struggled to field a line-up without forfeits. The team became what the coaches called 40-30 specialists. That meant in any meet the Crusaders would score between 30 and 40 points, as would their opponents, leaving any meet up for grabs. As the month of February rolled around the Crusaders regained their health and were faced with a tough North Plainfield squad. Some shrewd weigh-in maneuvers and the teams new found ability to stay off their backs resulted in a big conference win. Next, Bound Brook won it’s fourth consecutive Central Jersey Group I Championship over Metuchen, leaving the daunting task of Paulsboro ahead. The Crusaders wrestled a competitive match culminating in Chris Knapp’s thrilling overtime victory over his nemesis Tom Curl, however Paulsboro was not to be toppled. However, the Crusaders thrashed Emerson-Park Ridge in the Consolation to take third in Group I in the State of New Jersey and finished the season with a 14-9 record. As District 18 approached the coaches hoped the Crusaders would win the senior class a second title, but the team seemed emotionally tired and fell to a fourth place finish. They did crown District Champs in Brad Galeta, Rich Jannuzzi and Chris Knapp. Knapp and Jannuzzi each put on impressive pinning performances in the finals. In Region 5 competition Knapp and Jannuzzi won individual titles, while Galeta and Sharapov just missed qualifying for the State Tournament with 4th place finishes. Finally, Rich and Chris traveled to the Meadowlands for the State Tournament. Knapp became only the seventh wrestler in the history of Bound Brook Wrestling to make the finals twice with his second place finish. Jannuzzi surprised all, but his coaches, with a fourth place finish. Although next year’s team will be young, this year’s senior class members have taught them what it takes to be a success on the wrestling mat. 2000-01 STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN Record: 14-9 Central Jersey Group I Champions (Third in Group I) 2nd Ridgefield Holiday Tournament 5th Zephyr Duals Somerset County Champions Two State place winners SENIOR CLASS ACCOMPLISHMENTS 4 Group I Sectional Titles 2 Somerset County Titles 2 Mountain Valley Titles 1 District 18 Title Senior Record: 171-90 (655% Winning Percentage) Four Year Record: 426-261 (621% Winning Percentage) Two Runner-Up Finishes in State of New Jersey Group I and Two Third Place Finishes. Team Record over Four Years 73-22 (768% Winning Percentage)