Delbarton Dominates: Back-to-Back Champions at the NJ Catholic School Duals
photo by: Anthony Ferrara
Delbarton showcased their dominance at the 2025 Catholic School Duals, held at Christian Brothers Academy. The two day event featured top-ranked teams and multiple state champions, showcasing the depth of talent in New Jersey's high school wrestling scene.
Pool Play Performance
In the preliminary rounds, Delbarton delivered commanding victories:
59-17 over #15 St. Augustine
58-6 over #16 Seton Hall Prep
These victories advanced Delbarton to the semifinals, setting the stage for them to further showcase their dominance.
Semifinal Showdown
Facing #4 St. John Vianney in the semifinals, Delbarton achieved a 47-17 win. A highlight of this round was sophomore Ryan DeGeorge's performance at 132 pounds. DeGeorge, the previous season's state champion at 126 pounds, overcame a 5-1 deficit against three-time state medalist Patrick O'Keefe to secure a 10-5 victory, showcasing his resilience and tactical prowess.
Championship Match
In the finals, Delbarton faced #3 St. Peter's Prep, culminating in a 50-12 triumph. The match began with senior Chase Quenault earning a 4-3 decision over defending 138-pound state champion Caedyn Ricciardi, setting a positive tone for the team. Quenault's early takedown and steadfast defense were pivotal in this closely contested bout. This got Delbarton rallied early and they didn't look back, winning all but 3 bouts in the contest.
Looking Ahead
Delbarton's back-to-back championships at the Catholic School Duals reinforce their status as the top powerhouse in New Jersey high school wrestling. The team's depth, highlighted by multiple state champions and a commitment to excellence, positions them favorably for the challenges that lie ahead in the season. The Green Wave showed that they are truly a cut above the rest.
Quenault spoke on the weekend "It means a lot to not only me but to my team to get that win. That win reassured the belief I have in myself to succeed on the mat. I believe that both my performance and the teams at the Catholic School Duals definitely sets the standard for us for the rest of the season. As a team we are constantly chasing competition, setting us apart and preparing us for Atlantic City.
I’m looking forward to some good matches coming up especially our home dual against Blair on the 30th and Malvern at Lehigh 3 days later."
Although Delbarton has been outstanding this season, some tough matchups lie ahead. They are set to face nationally ranked opponents, including #10 Blair Academy, #9 St. Edward, #27 Detroit Central Catholic, and #19 Clovis, all at the end of the month. Head coach Bryan Stoll will focus on keeping his team prepared for these challenges, aiming to solidify their position among the nation's best, where they currently rank #5.