The Contenders

RAW talent enters the NJSIAA State Tournament this weekend (Friday March 6 - Sunday March 8) with a full spectrum of contenders.  From 103 lbs up through 189, RAW members will be in the chase for some hardware.

Last weekend several 2-4-1ers ran wild at their respective Regional competitions

(Region Champs)
Matt Sausman - 103/R7
Robert Deutsch - 112/R7
Eric Dunnet - 125/R7
Chuck Zeisloft - 112/R8
CJ Cobb - 145/R8
Preston Keiffer - 160/R7

These are a few names that jump out at me, but more important than the region titles, it seems as if there is a possibility of several of these young men plus some other RAW talent taking home New Jersey's ultimate prize.  Already this season, Issah Meade and Ian Squires have brought home State Championships from Delaware and Virginia respectively.  This would be the third consecutive weekend of a RAW wrestler (or wrestlers) from to bring home GOLD at a State event. 

Many moons ago, back in 2006, 4 of our best ever were all in the hunt for NJ State supremacy: Demetrius Hester (HVY/Paulsboro), Jamelle Jones (189/Winslow), Anthony Trongone (171/Camden Catholic) - all of them only juniors - and Senior returning State Champion Scott Giffin(160/Eastern).  That fantastic four all made the semi-finals!  Jamelle, who won the prestigious Beast of the East earlier in the season, lost in the semi's to a wrestler whom he'd beaten already at the NJ All Star match.  The other three came away with free passes to the higher ranked combatants to reach the finals.  Giffin, after early-season set backs at 171, was back down to 160 and looked primed to repeat.  Hester was also set to wrestle a finals match vs. an opponent he defeated earlier in the season at the All Star match.  To make a long story short, our RAW wrestlers went 0 - 3 in the finals - add in the loss by Jones in the semis (a major surprise indeed) and it was a tough Sunday in A.C.

The following season Giffin was at University of Michigan; Trongone won his title; Hester took third and then left for Delaware to play ball; Jones won another Beast title and was ranked #1 nationally.  So, in essence, things were cleaned up.  But a good lesson was learned about expectations and accomplishing goals in 2006.  We really had a chance at 4 State Champs.  Instead, we left with none. It's a matter of a small mistake here, a missed opportunity there, a little luck here, and an extra second or two there.  It's a lesson I hope to have the '09 group comprehend and absorb.  Nothing is certain.  Each match is independent, nothing is tied in.  Being ranked #1 and finishing #1 are two different things.  Beating someone before and then beating them again are not guaranteed.  So anyway, the lesson learned my young champions is take each match one by one.  Grab every opportunity, challenge yourself to push, not pace.

Don't float into A.C. with any expectations besides win the first match.  If that is done, focus on the next opponent...

The '09 group has only one Senior, Eric Dunnet (headed to Old Dominion next year).  All the others have more eligibility in the bank.  But no time is more important than now, no time is sure as this weekend - you're here now, next season may not be the same.  Take this opportunity to shine young men.  Become the champions that you know in your heart that you are.

Good luck to all RAW wrestlers this weekend.  You have my full support.   Remember - you take 2 and give them 1!
Below are the seeds for RAW in Atlantic City:

103 - Matt Sausman (2nd) - Bottom Bracket
112 - Robert Deutsch (1st) - Top Bracket
112 - Dymere Rappa (7th) - Top Bracket
112 - Chuck Zeisloft (2nd) - Bottom Bracket
119 - James Higgins (4th) - Top Bracket
125 - Eric Dunnet (1st) - Bottom Bracket
145 - CJ Cobb (2nd) - Bottom Bracket
160 - Preston Keiffer (2nd) - Bottom Bracket
189 - Jared Holliday (8th) - Top Bracket