A pair for AC

Woodstown’s Vinciguerra, Hyland headed to Atlantic City after finishing top 3 in region; Vinciguerra repeats as region champion

By Riverview Sports News

MONROE – Mateo Vinciguerra has a message for the good folks down in Atlantic City. He’s coming for you.

The Woodstown heavyweight won his second straight region title Saturday when he majored Clifford Dirkes of Ocean City 10-0 to win the Region 8 285 crown for a return trip to the state tournament in Atlantic City.

Last year Vinciguerra went as the region’s 215 champion and this year he defeated the defending heavyweight champion to get there.

“This year is different than last because I’m on a whole ‘nothing level this year than last year,” he said. “The plan for AC is that I’m coming for it all.”

Vinciguerra and Woodstown teammate Greyson Hyland are the only two Salem County wrestlers advancing to AC this year. Hyland finished third at 175.

Vinciguerra won three matches this weekend, including the 100th of his career in Friday’s quarterfinals. He’s the second Woodstown wrestler to hit the milestone this season. Travis Balback did two weeks ago.

On Saturday, he pinned Alex Grippo of Delsea in the semifinals before taking down Dirkes.‘Going into the finals I just knew to trust my work I’ve put in and get to my stuff,” he said.

Hyland went 4-1 in the tournament, including a pair of overtime wins that added about 20 grey hairs to his coach and father’s temples. He lost an 8-4 decision in his semifinal match Saturday, then wrestled back and claimed his spot in Atlantic City by winning an ultimate tie breaker over Vincent Hoag of Mainland.

“I’m really proud of both their performances,” Woodstown coach Adam Hyland said. “Greyson had to gut out two gritty overtime matches to place third and Mateo completely dominated the entire tournament pinning his first two and winning 10-0 over the defending Region 8 heavyweight champion.”

Salem County did have several other placers in the tournament. Schalick’s Ayden Jenkins placed fifth at 150, Penns Grove’s Clinton Bobo was fifth at 175 and Woodstown’s Walter Carter was fifth at 215.

Camden Catholic won the team title, edging Delsea by a point. Woodstown finished tenth with 56 points. Schalick was 22nd (9.5) and Penns Grove 23rd (9.0).