Chatham Wrestler Wins State Qualifier

By John Nonnenmacher

In order to wrestle in the New Jersey Scholastic States a wrestler must first place in the top three of his weight class at a regional qualifying tournament.  

On Sunday, January 15, 2012 Connor Cortese, a member of The Chatham Youth Wrestling Club, traveled to Toms River, New Jersey to compete in the first and one of the toughest State Qualifiers. 

Connor, who is 10 years old and a fourth grader at Lafayette, is the starting 65 pounder for the club and compete in the North Jersey Youth Wrestling League and the King Of The Mat League. 

Upon arriving at Toms River High School, Connor found himself in a bracket with eight other 65 pounders set on qualifying to compete in the New Jersey State Championship. Connor beat his first opponent 6-1. 

In his second match, Connor faced a wrestler from Roxbury who beat him the week before 5-0 during the teams duel meet against Roxbury. What a difference a week (three practices, another duel meet and three matches at King of the Mat the day prior) makes. 

Connor outscored his rival 7-5 to advance to the finals. In the finals Connor beat his next opponent 8-4 to take home the gold.

“Connor is one of the toughest and most aggressive wrestlers in our program. He never misses a practice or an opportunity to compete and it has paid off for him,” said coach John Nonnenmacher. 

Connor will be representing Chatham in The New Jersey Scholastic State Tournament which will take place on March18 at Union High School.  

Having won this tournament, Connor will be seated very high and has an excellent shot at placing at the states this year added, Coach Nonnenmacher.