Team of the Year

Montville

No matter what the sport, every successful sports program starts with a solid foundation. Perhaps the Montville wrestling program is laying theirs.  The Morris County school experienced the most successful season in the wrestling program’s history.

It was a year of firsts for the 22-2 Mustangs. They went undefeated in their conference, winning the Northern Hills Conference Skyline Division Title. Montville also made its first appearance in the sectional finals, taking full advantage of the opportunity. Montville would not be denied as it defeated Paramus in the finals to win the North 1, Group III crown.  After winning a state semi-final match against Brick Township, the Mustangs reached their first state finals.  But state power Phillipsburg stood in their way, dropping Montville in convincing fashion.

The wrestlers regrouped and prepared for the individual portion of the season as the team won their first District 2 Team Championship. During the individual District and Region Tournaments several wrestlers found success, highlighted by 130-pounder Cody Phillips being named District 2 Most Outstanding Wrestler.  The team also had a Jersey Sports Now-area best four wrestlers qualify for Atlantic City: Mike Polizzi (112), Mike Intile (135), Shane Parcel (160) and Greg Barnish (171).

These accomplishments landed Montville in the Top 20 of New Jersey.  “We had a great group of kids that worked hard for what they earned, we had a nice year and we get a bunch of returners back,” said coach John Krip.

As for next year, with the league realignment, Montville will have to contend with state power High Point in their league and not just in their wrestling section.  But nothing can be taken away from Montville.  Congratulations on an excellent season, Mustangs, you are the JSN Wrestling Team of the Year.

Wrestler of the Year

Ryan Dunphy, Passaic Valley

After a disappointing ending to a promising season a year ago, Ryan Dunphy was determined not to finish this year the same way. The junior capped his 43-2 season with a third-place showing in the NJSIAA wrestling tournament.

It was a consolation match to remember, with Dunphy winning on an ultimate ride out.  “I was tired, but it feels great coming up with a win to end a great tournament,” said Dunphy.  The Passaic Valley wrestler showed his talent throughout a tough 140-pound weight class this year. His only losses came to eventual  state champion Anthony Baldassaro of Eastern and 145-pound medalist Nestor Taffur of Bound Brook.

Along with his state medal, Dunphy was a participant in the 2009 All-Star Wrestling Invitational and was a Passaic County Tournament champ as well as a District 13 and Region 4 champion. For his stellar year Ryan Dunphy is the 2008-2009 JSN wrestler of the year.

Coach of the Year

John Krip, Montville

Since 1997 coach John Krip has guided the Montville Mustang wrestling program, and during his tenure no team has been better than this year's squad.  Krip wrestled at Jefferson High School and was a state medalist in 1987, as well as a Region 1 champ.  He helped build the program at Jefferson that would rise to national prominence a few years later.  Now as a coach, he's helping raise the Montville program to new heights.

Krip and his staff guided the 22-2 Mustangs, to an undefeated Northern Hills Conference-Skyline Division season, the North 1, Group III sectional crown, the Group III State Finals and District 2 Team Championship.  Along the way Coach Krip earned his 100th coaching victory.  “It was a great feeling. I’m glad I did it with this team. It was a great ride...but it would have been nice to win it all,” said Krip, reflecting upon his team's accomplishments after the Group III finals at the Ritacco Center in Toms River.

As the season wore on, Krip harnessed the Mustangs' emotions, encouraging his wrestlers to improve, get better each day and battle back for the next.  Montville entered the state’s top 20 reaching as high as 13th and when the season was over settled into the 18th spot. “It was nice to be recognized in the top 20, hopefully we can use the experience for next year,” Krip said.  

John Krip set the tone for Montville's future wrestling success, and he is our JSN Wrestling Coach of the Year.

Wrestling Notes

TOURNAMENT MASTERS:  Wayne Valley had a good season overall, but when it came to wrestling tournaments featuring team scoring, the Indians couldn't be beaten.  Early in the year, Wayne Valley won the Hopatcong and Parsippany events.  Those were just preludes to the Indians' bigger triumphs at the Passaic Valley Tournament and the District 4 tourney, making history with their first-ever titles at both of those events.

MULTITUDE OF MILESTONES:  Several local wrestling coaches reached significant milestones during the 2008-09 season.  Pequannock coach Lenny Smith earned his 300th career win early on in the campaign, while West Milford's Mike Blakely got his 300th late in the regular season.  Pompton Lakes coach Scott Mahoney picked up win number 200 in just his 13th year with the Cardinals.

-- Casey deWaal for Jersey Sports Now