West Orange High School Senior Takes Fifth in State Wrestling Tournament

West Orange High School sent two regional champions to the NJSIAA Individual State Wrestling Championship, sending senior Chris Morgan and sophomore Victor Lopez, school officials said.

Morgan took fifth place in the 182 pound bracket, while Lopez finished in the top 16 of the 106 pound bracket over the weekend. The NJSIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships were held in Atlantic City from March 6-8.

Morgan defeated Cranford’s Nick Cappello in the pre-quarterfinals, but fell 4-3 in the quarterfinals to C.J. Fragola of St. Joseph (Hammonton). Morgan continued on and gained an 8-5 victory over Mike Gargano of Old Bridge, but lost a 15-6 major decision to Dean Sherry of Brick Township, according to officials from West Orange Public Schools. Morgan gained a 7-2 victory over Vinnie Maniero of St. Joseph’s (Montvale), clinching fifth place in the bracket.

Lopez dropped a pre-quarterfinal match against Carmen Ferrante of Bergen Catholic 4-3, before defeating Hunter Graf of Hunterdon Central 10-3 in the first round of wrestlebacks. Lopez lost in the second round 3-1 to Joe Casey of Bound Brook, school district officials said.

“For Victor to not only qualify for states, but win a match in his sophomore year is a great accomplishment,” West Orange Head Wrestling Coach Stephan Zichella said. “Victor has had an exceptional first few years in our program. We are very excited for his next two years.”

Morgan finished his senior season with a 41-2 reccord, shattering the school record of 37 wins in a season, and is the fourth West Orange wrestler to to medal at the state tournament, according to Zichella.

“He is the first wrestler to win 40 matches in a year,” Zichella said. “We are so proud of what he has accomplished in his four year varsity career. Morgan goes down as one of the best wrestlers in school history.”

According to school district officials, Morgan plans on continuing his wrestling career at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School and will finish his collegiate career at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

(Photos courtesy of West Orange Public Schools)