Holmdel

Dec 07, 2022

Saint John Vianney Wrestling Looks to Repeat as District Champion

By Les Pierce

Anthony Knox was the NJSIAA State Champion last year.

Last year, the Saint John Vianney wrestling team easily won the District 17 championship. At the tournament, eight Lancers gained individual championships. Two team members claimed bronze medals, and one brought home silver.  

Only one of those 11 medalists has been lost to graduation. With 10 others returning, a repeat District championship is a likely outcome.

Leading the star-studded roster is Anthony Knox. As a freshman last season, wrestling at 113, he seized District 17 and Region 5 titles. He then went on to capture the NJSIAA State Championship, his 33rd victory of the season.  

Patrick O’Keefe nearly replicated Knox’s achievements. Competing at 106 pounds and also in his frosh year, he notched 35 wins. O’Keefe finished second at the NJSIAA State championship after claiming District 17 and Region 5 titles.

The Lancers are solid throughout their lineup. Key returning wrestlers (by last season weight class) are as follows: 

• 120: Jake Zaltsman (So. – 24 wins, first District, second Region)

• 126: Joe Giordano (Sr. – 26 wins, first District, second Region)

• 138: Dom Terracciano (Jr. – 20 wins, third District, fifth Region)

• 144: Cole Stangle (So. – 27 wins, first District, third Region)

• 150: Kevin McBride (Sr. – 13 wins, third District, fourth Region)

• 157: Jasiah Queen (Sr. – 24 wins, first District, second Region, fifth NJSIAA)

• 165: Thomas Cleary (Sr. – 14 wins, second District)

• 190: Michael Foley (Sr. – 23 wins, first District, fifth Region)