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History Made! Delbarton Hands Blair Academy a Stunning Defeat
Jared Lowy

In a match that will be remembered as one of the most significant upsets in New Jersey high school wrestling history, Delbarton edged out Blair Academy 30-29 in a thrilling dual meet on January 30, 2025. The Green Wave's victory over the nation's premier wrestling powerhouse marks a monumental moment for the program and solidifies Delbarton's status as one of the top wrestling teams in the country.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

Delbarton wasted no time asserting itself as PJ Terranova (106) and Cameron Sontz (113) kicked off the meet with back-to-back decision victories, giving the Green Wave an early 6-0 lead. However, Blair responded quickly as Iowa-bound Leo DeLuca (120) delivered a dominant technical fall, and Vincenzo Anello (126) followed up with a major decision, putting the Buccaneers ahead 9-6.

Trading Blows in the Middle Weights

Ryan DeGeorge (132) got Delbarton back on track with a 7-1 decision over Ellis Kirsch, leveling the match at 9-9. Blair's Weston Borgers (138) countered with an 11-10 decision over Chase Quenault in one of the most competitive bouts of the night, reclaiming the lead for the Buccaneers at 12-9.

Nick Schwartz (144) responded emphatically for Delbarton, securing a crucial major decision (14-2) to give the Green Wave a 13-12 lead. That momentum carried into the 150-pound bout, where Jayden James delivered a stunning pin in just 1:33 over Ryan Meier, extending Delbarton's lead to 19-12.  With the pin, James joins the list of many accomplished Delbarton wrestlers with 100 career wins.

Blair Battles Back

Blair showed why they are one of the nation's top teams when Joseph Schinder (157) pinned Cole Jasinkiewicz in just eight seconds, cutting Delbarton's lead to 19-18. However, Alessio Perentin (165) answered right back with a technical fall (23-4) in 3:33 over Benjamin Koch, putting the Green Wave ahead 24-18.

Blair's Barry Norman Jr. (175) brought the match back within a single point with a technical fall (20-5) over Jesse DeNegri, making it 24-23. The Buccaneers then took control at 190 pounds, as William Henckel pinned Brody Ismael in just 42 seconds, pushing Blair ahead 29-24 with two bouts remaining.

Majagah and Moser Seal the Deal

With the match on the line, Delbarton needed victories in the final two bouts to pull off the upset. At 215 pounds, Elbrus Majagah delivered under pressure, securing a 16-9 decision over Mark "MJ" Scialla to bring Delbarton within two points at 29-27.

That left heavyweight August Moser with the opportunity to clinch the historic victory.  As it has been for four straight years, the heavyweight division would decide the winner of this dual. Facing TJ Kellas of Blair, Moser wrestled with poise and determination, winning a decisive 7-2 decision to seal the 30-29 win for Delbarton. As the final whistle blew, Delbarton's wrestlers, coaches, and fans erupted in celebration, marking the end of Blair's dominance and a new chapter in New Jersey wrestling history.  "My coaches and teammates all told me the same thing, focus on you and your match. Forget the team score, just focus on your match," said August Moser after the victory last night.  "I don't even think winning states would be as electric as this win tonight!"

A Program-Defining Moment

Defeating Blair Academy, a team with an unparalleled legacy of national championships and elite wrestlers, is a testament to the strength and depth of Delbarton's program.  "We did this for all of our alumni who put in all the time in and we were never an elite program," said coach Bryan Stoll.  "To finally reach that elite status, you have to beat a team like Blair Academy to become elite."

This victory not only cements Delbarton's place among the nation's elite but also serves as a defining moment for the program's future. With this historic triumph, the Green Wave has proven that they are capable of competing with—and defeating—the best.

delbarton beats blair