By. DONALD J. BROWER

 

Last year heading into the State Sectional Tournament, the Hanover Park Hornets were on a mission. The 2014-2015 squad was up 23 points with four matches left to go and about to celebrate the first team wrestling championship in school history against mighty High Point Regional. Fate however had other plans as the Wildcats pinned out to take the title way from the Hornets. Hanover Park used that disappointment as fuel and rolled to the Group 2 title. A dynasty seemed on the horizon as the Hornets returns a great portion of that squad. Unfortunately someone forgot to tell the rival Caldwell Chiefs

In a complete team effort, Caldwell defeated Hanover Park 32-31 on Criterion C (Most bouts won) to advance in the North Jersey, Section 2 Group Tournament.

"This one hurts." Coach James Lavalle, a three time state champion while a student at the school, said. "I know the kids are feeling a let down from last year. We as coached have to pick them up and get them, especially the seniors, ready for states."

One of those seniors, Anthony Oliveri was unable to wrestle in the match due to a nagging football injury. He felt helpless watching the match unfold.

"There was nothing I could do." said Olivieri, a star running back for the football team. "Caldwell always wrestles us well. They won the toss and did what they needed to do."

The Chiefs took the first match to jump out to a 3-0 lead before the Hornets won the next three. A pair of pins by Hanover Park's Nick Raimo (:13) and Sean Conley (1:13) bookended a Lou Raimo win via forfeit to put them up 18-3.

While most in the gym thought the rout looked to be eminent, the biggest difference between the previous squads was the depth. That came back to haunt the Hornets.

Caldwell won seven of the next eight to go up by 11 with two bouts left in the match. Hanover Park needed two pins in the final bouts to pull it out but Patrick Ferreira could only manage a major decision, allowing the Chiefs to pull off the upset.

"I will regret this for a long time" Junior Lou Raimo, eighth at 126 a year ago, said. "We had the team to do this. I feel like we disappointed the school, past teams and everyone who loves this squad."

Hanover Park will turn their attention to the upcoming District 9 Tournament next weekend in Morristown while Caldwell advances to the finals to meet Lenape Valley, the team Hanover Park beat last year to take the Group 2 title.