With only a handful of meets left, the Bridgewater-Raritan High School wrestling team is seeking to make program history once again with another sectional championship.
Having had a record-setting 2024-2025 season that culminated in the program’s first ever appearance in the Group 5 state final, the Bridgewater-Raritan aims for yet another strong finish to the 2025-2026 season.
Bridgewater-Raritan wasted no time asserting themselves, quickly establishing their dominance with a 9-1 record in the first month of the season. Presently on February 8, Briddgewater-Raritan, the defending North Jersey, Section 2, Grou 5 state champion, ownns a 16-7 record.
The team had many notable performances early on in their season, marking a breaching 60-15 victory against Voorhees High School, a dominating 78-6 triumph against Vernon High School and a 64-17 victory against Bound Brook High School.
The Panthers then suffered four straight losses against Cedar Grove High School Clearview High School, Immaculata High School, the Somerset County Tournament champion, and North Hunterdon High, the defending Grouo 4 state champion, but took firm command given the chance to redeem themselves in a weekend quad match including three straight matches against New Providence, High School Emerson Boro High School and Old Tappan Hih School.
Bridgewater-Raritan certainly did not take this redemption opportunity for granted, winning 71-12 against New Providence and 45-27 against Old Tappan. The Panthers were led valiantly by senior Gabriel Medina-Coello against New Providence, who won his major bout by decision, pushing forth the Panthers’ incredible lead.
The defeat against Old Tappan was powered by many decisive pins from Carmine Vella, Matthew McCann, Gabriel Medina-Coello, Hunter Karp, Andrew Adell, Lucas Pelc, Lucas Churpakovich and Marcus Puorro.
The Panthers let only one defeat slip past against Emerson Boro with the tight score of 39-32.
Under the guidance of five coaches with college wrestling experience, including Head Coach Kyle Murphy, Varsity Assistant Coaches Ray Jazikoff and Kevin McCann, Assistant Coach Samuel Alvarez and Junior Varsity Coach Rob Saum, the Panthers have kept their momentum intact while building on last season’s success.
While the wrestling team continues to push towards another sectional championship success, the program continues to expand beyond just competition. The wrestling program has taken a major step forward this season in expanding its roster’s female involvement.
Head Coach Kyle Murphy elaborates on senior Paige Karp’s lead in the formation of the girls wrestling team.
“Paige was a lone female wrestler last year,” Coach Murphy said. “With her leadership skills, she recruited four more athletes to join the girls team and continues to help grow the sport here at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.”
Paige’s leadership has translated to solid performances from the girls’ squad, securing five victories against Voorhees High Schoo, Watchung Hills Regional High School, Bound Brook High School, Madison High School and Emerson Boro High School.
The program’s growth has helped to foster a strong wrestling culture at Bridgewater-Raritan, creating a defining, indomitable spirit across both the boys and girls teams this season.
Head Coach Kyle Murphy reflected on the culture his team has built.
“I’m proud of the resilience of the team this season,” Coach Murphy said. “Given one of the most challenging divisions in the state, with the amount of injuries we’ve sustained we have continued to bounce back with the ‘next man up’ mentality.”
Looking ahead, the girls’ squad gears up for the Skyland Girls Tournament on Thursday, February 12.
