The Alternative Press

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - Only eight wrestlers per weight class had the opportunity to bring a New Jersey state medal home this weekend. Jason Estevez and Anthony Angelone were among those few, elite athletes.

Jason Estevez of Livingston earned the bronze medal at 132 pounds by defeating Connor Melde of Bergen Catholic.  After a scoreless two minutes, the Livingston wrestler escaped to take the lead in the second period. 

In the third period, Melde also escaped to tie the score 1-1. Estevez shot in for a single-leg, which he converted to a double-leg takedown for the lead. Giving up another escape, he forcefully wrestled defense until the clock ran out, earning his 3-2 victory. 

Estevez, a junior, has now qualified for the state tournament three years in a row. By winning five of his six matches in Atlantic City, he was finally able to receive his first medal. Of his third place finish, Estevez told The Alternative Press, “It feels good, but it’s not exactly what I wanted. It’s a good step” in the right direction for next year.

West Orange’s Anthony Angelone, who recorded an impressive four pins throughout the weekend, earned fourth place at 220 pounds. Despite taking a year off from the sport, he won his way to the final consolation bout against Roy Lucas of St. Joe’s Hammontown.

Angelone finished the first period behind 2-1 by escaping after being taken down in a scramble. Starting off on bottom in the second period, he escaped again to tie the score. Lucas received another take down, and Angelone got out once again to finish the period 4-3.

West Orange fell further behind in the third period after his opponent escaped, took him down, and earned two back-points. Angelone scored one last escape and received a point for Lucas’s stalling to finish the match 9-5.

The 220-pounder was happy with his fourth-place finish, explaining “I wasn’t expecting to place. I just wanted to get past Friday night.”