As Ridgewood’s wrestling season comes to an end, the team has been able to reflect upon its many accomplishments thus far. At the end of December, the team knew they were in for a successful year during their first meet of the season, competing in the Mount Olive Tournament at Mount Olive High School. Out of the thirteen teams present, Ridgewood earned second place overall. Individually, seniors Jake Hall-Goldman and Kyle Inlander were first place champions of their weight classes. Junior Jack Simpson and senior Julian Bangash earned second place, and seniors Matt Binstock, Ash Dugulubgov, and Kyle Pechko received third place. Overall, Ridgewood put on an impressive performance, setting the tone for repeated success to follow.
At the end of December, Ridgewood wrestling participated in the annual county tournament at Hackensack High School over the course of two days. With forty teams present, this meet was among the largest attended by the team. Out of the fourteen weight classes, four Ridgewood wrestlers placed. Kyle Inlander received second place in the final round, Jake Hall-Goldman and Kyle Pechko placed sixth, and Ash Dugulubgov placed seventh overall. Jack Simpson, Julian Bangash, and Matt Binstock were each one match away from placing in this rigorous tournament.
Shortly following the county tournament, Ridgewood returned to Hackensack High School, competing in a series of close matches. Ridgewood ultimately won, although almost every match extended into the third period, while some even went into overtime.
In January, Kyle Inlander became the fifth wrestler in Ridgewood High School’s history to earn 100 wins. In order to earn his 100th win, he needed to defeat all three competitors in his matches at the quad meet against Wayne Hills, Toms River North, and Toms River South. One minute and forty-eight seconds into his third match of the day, Inlander succeeded and achieved this impressive milestone.
Senior night took place on Friday, February 6 against Lodi High School where Ridgewood won 52-18 and the seniors’ hard work was celebrated. As a team, Ridgewood aims to obtain the district title to uphold their now, four-year winning streak. Following the district tournament will come the regional tournament, where the top three place winners will advance to the state competition. During the weekend of March 4, wrestlers from across the state of New Jersey will convene in Atlantic City to compete in this highly regarded tournament. For now, the wrestlers are continuing to practice hard in preparation for these upcoming challenges.
Jamie Inlander
reporter