Garnett hopes to carry on tradition in Old Bridge

BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA
Staff Writer

SCOTT PILLING staff Matt Valentino, shown here working an opponent at the Icebreaker Tournament in Matawan on Dec. 17, is one of the young grapplers whom Garnett expects big things from over the next few seasons. A solid core of returnees has helped the Old Bridge High School wrestling team to a quick start as the Knights look to defend their Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Red Division title.

New coach Brian Garnett watched his team win the Icebreaker Tournament in Matawan, as Steve Fallon (119 pounds) and Eddie Ebewo (160) took first in their respective weight classes, while Brian Suozzo (125) and Hanayan Daftani (189) were second in their divisions.

“I have a great, hardworking group of kids here,” said Garnett, who served as an assistant for 18 years to recently retired coach Ken Scott. “Right now we’re still adjusting the lineup, but things are coming along.”

Scott is a mythic figure in wrestling circles, with 357 career wins, six GMC Red Division crowns, six NJSIAA District 20 titles, and two CJ Group IV championships to his credit. Fortunately for the Knights, Garnett has been an integral part of the program and has been there for 257 of Scott’s wins.

JEFFGRANIT staff Steve Fallon is back to lead the Knights this season, and is looking for some individual glory as well after finishing second in the state last year. “I’m following a legend in Ken Scott, who is a great, great coach,” Garnett said. “It’s an honor to take over this team, and we’re looking forward to keeping this program successful.”

Following the Icebreaker, the Knights downed Piscataway, 61-7, in their regular season opener.

During the holiday break, Old Bridge will compete in the Hunterdon Central Tournament, which began on Wednesday. Old Bridge resumes its dual-meet schedule with a nonconference match against Somerville on Jan. 3 before visiting Perth Amboy on Jan. 7 and traveling to South Brunswick on Jan. 10.

Fallon, a junior, is the Knights’ top grappler. He went 25-2 a year ago, won the District 20 competition, took second in Region V, and ended up finishing second in the state. He’s already 4-0 this time around.

Ebewo, who’s 5-0, went 17-9 last winter, and Chris Orczechowski (171), who’s 2-0, posted a 17-8 mark last season.

Andrew Goldman (140) is off to a 3-2 start after going 23-8 in 2004. Brian Suozzo, currently 3-1, went 15-12 a year ago, while sophomore Chris Suozzo, now 4-1, posted a 14-13 ledger as a freshman.

Other members of the team include Etimbuk Ebewo (215), juniors Matt Valentino (112) and Travis Gerdon (189), sophomores John Giusti (130) and Justin Kitchen (145), and freshman Trevor Haughney.

“We’re young, but very talented,” Garnett said. “This team has a lot of potential, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”