Holmdel

Dec 07, 2022

Holmdel Wrestling Needs to Resolve Staffing Issues

By Les Pierce

AJ Todisco

Last year, the Holmdel wrestling team posted a disappointing 8-14 record. There are several bright spots on this squad, but the Hornets have been competing with an incomplete roster and have been forced to forfeit a few matches at every meet.

Fortunately, some talented grapplers are returning to form a strong nucleus for the upcoming campaign.

AJ Todisco racked up 27 wins last season at 150 pounds. The junior claimed a championship crown at the Buc Classic Tournament and collected a silver medal at the District 18 tourney.  “AJ is an extremely hard worker,” Head Coach Michael Oxley said. “He is a great leader.”

Sophomore Jack Cleary was a silver medalist at District 18. He finished the season with 22 victories at 165 pounds. “Jack is a wrestler who never stops,” Oxley said. “When someone wrestles him, they have to be ready for a full six minutes plus overtime.”

Wrestling at 175, John Steele notched 18 wins and picked up a silver medal at the Districts. The senior also claimed a title at the Buc Classic Tournament. “John put a lot of time in this offseason, and I’m excited to coach him his last year here at Holmdel,” Oxley said.

Rowen Blackmore earned a bronze in the Districts last year wrestling as a freshman at 106. He improved readily as the season progressed and should be an impactful competitor in the 2022-23 campaign.  

Second-year Head Coach Oxley brings a lot of energy to the program and should be able to resolve the roster gaps. Oxley wrestled at CBA where he was a two-time District and Region champion.