The Bridgewater-Raritan High School wrestling season is on the horizon, and there is much to be excited about.

The program reached new heights last season when Bridgewater-Raritan advanced to the program’s first state group final and established a school record for victories en route to its 21-8 finish.

Bridgewater-Raritan lost to powerful Southern Regional High School in the Group 5 state final on February 16 at Rutgers University’s Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway.

The North Jersey Section 2, Group 5 state sectional title that was achieved with a 57-13 victory over Bayonne High School on February 12 was the school’s first since 2016, when Coach Kyle Murphy was a senior on that team.

In a discussion with Coach Murphy, he shared his thoughts about the team and its aspirations for the future.

To start off strong, this year’s turnout is historic, with an estimated 60 wrestlers having signed up. Coach Murphy elaborated that this is potentially the largest amount they have ever had. In addition to that, about thirty to forty members are trained throughout the off-season, helping to set the team up for success.

For Jacob Bogdan, a sophomore, preparation during the off-season included attending practices and tournaments, as well as working with wrestlers around the state.

As the winter season approaches, the team is extremely excited to see the new lineup, as a large group of seniors graduated from it last year. Adding on, Coach Murphy looks forward to evaluating the new group’s potential.

“There will be some fresh opportunities for them to come up and make a stand for their chance to win it all,” he said.

Although the team’s members are predominantly male, there is solid female representation. Currently, four girls are part of the team, and Coach Murphy is really hoping to build upon that. He shared that a future goal was eventually developing an all-girls wrestling team. For now, however, these young ladies have been training alongside the male athletes and amazing coaches.

Inclusivity is definitely a key component of the team. On that note, the wrestling community is welcoming to all, with no official tryouts. 

“If you sign up, you pretty much make the team. That is, if you can survive the workouts—they can be pretty tough at first, but once you get caught up and into the sport, most people really enjoy it,” said Coach Murphy.

The first practice commences on Monday, November 24. There will be a JV/starters room for JV athletes and newcomers, and the wrestling room will be reserved for varsity wrestlers.

It is an understatement to say that last year’s season was incredible; the team set the best record in Bridgewater-Raritan wrestling history.

Not only did they make it to the state finals, but they also won a sectional title.

As for this year, Coach Murphy has goals to build onto their previous success, hoping to participate once again in the sectional finals and win a another title.

Jacob Bogdan claimed that winning a state title would be ideal.

On Saturday, December 13, the yearly Dessino Invitation will be held in Middlesex. It is an open competition and the first match of the season.

The team has won the tournament once and came in second twice. This year, the goal is to reclaim the top spot and win it again.