By Andy Loigu

Host Warren Hills finished third, behind champion North Hunterdon and runner up West Morris, at the 62nd annual John Goles Memorial Wrestling Tournament on Dec. 27.

The eight-team event, which posthumously honors the legend and many successes of former Blue Streaks coach John Goles, is the second longest continuously running holiday wrestling tournament in the nation.
Warren Hills produced two individual champions, three second place finishers and a pair of third place medalists.

Stephen Malia won the 152 pound championship with a 10-2 major decision over Wayne McIntyre of East Stroudsburg North in the final.

Owen Frizzell finished his quest for the 160 pound crown by fall in 3:38 over Ryan Huze of Verona.

Senior Greg Slivka settled for second place at 120 pounds, losing the final by fall to Newton junior Nathan Fitt, who was chosen the Outstanding Wrestler by a vote of the coaches. Jared Lee (at 126) and Logan Nauta (at 132) also were second place finishers from Warren Hills.

In the consolation finals, Geir Nemeth (at 138) and Tyler McCatharn (at 285) won third place honors for themselves and the Blue Streaks.

The North Hunterdon Lions ran away with the team title, scoring 256 points. The Wolfpack from West Morris was second with 178 points and third place Warren Hills totaled 164 points.

*****************

Happy New Year wishes are extended to all the Warren County scholastic sports athletes, coaches, administrators, parents, friends, and fans. May 2020 bring success and growth to all who put in the work to achieve it. And for reading these columns throughout 2019, Elvis says thank you, thank you very much. It would have been a Blue Christmas without you.

….Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.