Local Wrestlers Stand Above Opposing Teams Friday Night

The programs being sold in Collingswood High School gymnasium Friday detailed that night's tournament—wrestlers from nine different teams participated in the second round of New Jersey's District 28 Wrestling Championships.

But when watching the actual matches, two schools stood out from the rest—the Collingswood Panthers and the Haddonfield Bulldawgs.

Of 13 matches the Panthers wrestled Friday night, 10 individual wrestlers managed to advance to the next round of districts.

The Bulldawgs, who also wrestled 13 matches on Friday, will see 11 team wrestlers competing in the next round on Saturday.

In addition, Haddonfield will send a 12th Bulldawg to wrestle Saturday—29-1 Carson Stack advanced by way of a bye-round.

“I thought we performed really well,” said Haddonfield head coach Pete DiPol. “It’s pretty much what we expected. Our goal coming in was to get 12 through to the next round and we did exactly that.”

While Collingswood didn’t advance as many wrestlers as its rival school, Haddonfield, the Panthers did see flashes of domination and levels of perseverance—characteristics the team lacked early this season.

Of Collingswood's 10 wins, six were recorded by decision—meaning the team responded to a flaw that's been holding them back nearly all season. That flaw? A need for bonus points.

“It was good, we did really well out there,” said Collingswood head coach Dechlin Moody. "We did exactly what I thought we’d do. We went out there and got the job done and won a few pivotal matches.”

Though the Panthers and the Bulldawgs will face each other in head-to-head competition only two times Saturday, it seems apparent that the entire tournament will boil down to the two teams' performances.

And Saturday, Collingswood’s Jim Plianthos will meet Haddonfield’s Rob Schlitt in the 160-lb weight class.

Plianthos won his Friday night matchup against Jairo Padilla, of Pennsauken, by a score of 18-5. Schlitt defeated Anthony Ciapfrini of Audobon with a score of 15-0 in 5:12.

In the 189-pound weight class, Haddonfield’s Stack will meet Ben Swan of Collingswood on Saturday.

Swan won a true battle Friday night, when he faced-off against Damien Rodig, of Haddon Township, with a final score of 4-3.

Heading into the final rounds of Friday's tournament, head coaches of both squads had big aspirations for their wrestlers.

“The goal tomorrow is at least seven district champs,” said Haddonfield coach DiPol, “so we’ll see how that turns out.”

And Moody, Collingswood's head coach, had equally positive expectations.

“We have a shot, man,” said Moody. “We have a shot. I think if our kids do what they’re supposed to do, we can sneak up on Haddonfield.”