West Orange High School Wrestlers Headed to State Finals

A pair of West Orange High School wrestlers are going to the Individual State Finals in Atlantic City after winning the NJSIAA Region 4 Tournament.

This is the first time West Orange High School has sent two regional champions to the NJSIAA Individual State Wrestling Championship, sending senior Chris Morgan and sophomore Victor Lopez, school officials said. The NJSIAA Individual State Wrestling Championship in Atlantic City will take place from March 6 through March 8.

Morgan, wrestling in the 182 pound division, goes into the state finals with a record of 37-0 and was the first two-time West Orange High School Regional Champion, following a victory over previously-undefeated Sean O’Malley of Hasbrouck Heights on Feb. 28.

“Chris Morgan has had one of the best wrestling careers in the history of West Orange High School,” West Orange Head Wrestling Coach Steve Zichella said. “Everyone associated with West Orange is excited to watch Chris wrestle his last matches as a Mountaineer in Atlantic City, and we believe he will end his career on a high note.”

Lopez, wrestling in the 106 pound division, clinched his regional title after defeating Phil Ruiz, of Becton, with a 5-1 decision. School officials said Lopez is the first West Orange High School sophomore to win a regional championship. He finished the season with a 31-4 record.

“Victor wrestled exceptionally well and winning the Regional Championship as the third seed was a great accomplishment,” Zichella said. “He’s wrestling his best right now and we believe he will have a great individual state tournament next weekend. Victor is the first WOHS wrestler to win 30 matches in each of his first two seasons, and he is well on his way to becoming one of the finest wrestlers in the history of the program.”

(Photo courtesy of West Orange Public Schools)