Sports
This season, the JCHS boys’ varsity wrestling team saw several of its top athletes qualify for the state tournament in Atlantic City—one of the most prestigious events in New Jersey high school wrestling. The team had an impressive showing, with Junior, Carmine Sipper (113 lbs), Senior, Dom Holler (126 lbs), Sophomore, Matt Ruane (106 lbs), Junior, Solomon Soriente (138 lbs), and Senior, Mike Mignone (215 lbs) all earning their spots among the state’s best.
For Carmine Sipper, who placed third at 113 pounds with an outstanding 44-5 record, the moment was one of pride and validation, a testament to the dedication he put into his season. “It feels great, and I’m proud of myself for all my hard work,” Sipper said. His journey to the podium wasn’t without challenges, as he faced tough competition throughout the year. His most difficult match came at regionals against a wrestler from Delbarton, a bout that tested his resilience. “It humbled me,” he admitted, acknowledging that even the best wrestlers face moments of adversity. However, instead of letting it discourage him, he used the experience as motivation to push himself harder, ultimately securing his place as one of the top wrestlers in the state.
For Dom Holler (126 lbs), stepping onto the mat in Atlantic City was more about embracing the opportunity than feeling nervous. “My mindset leading up to states was extremely excited—new opportunities,” Holler said. “I was more excited for the opportunity than scared.” Competing at such a high level reinforced his love for the sport and the dedication it takes to succeed. His biggest takeaway from the experience? “Don’t take things for granted because it goes by quickly.” The season felt like it flew by, and the realization that every match, practice, and opportunity matters hit him harder than ever. With this in mind, Holler plans to continue pushing himself, taking each challenge as a chance to grow and make the most of every moment on the mat.
Mike Mignone (215 lbs) emphasized the immense amount of work it took to get to this moment. “I did a lot of training to be who I am trying to be in this moment,” he said, reflecting on the countless hours spent refining his skills and preparing mentally and physically. Mignone also acknowledged that the path to success isn’t always easy or straightforward. “I learned that trials and tribulations will lead to success no matter the circumstances,” he explained. It’s the tough times and challenges that build resilience and shape a champion. Competing at the state level, however, was a completely new experience. “The atmosphere was crazy, with so many people. Probably the biggest event I’ve been at,” Mignone recalled, describing the energy and excitement of the event. The intensity of the competition and the size of the crowd made the experience surreal, and it only fueled his drive to continue working hard and aiming for even greater accomplishments in the future.
The wrestlers credited their coaches, teammates, and the intense training throughout the season for helping them reach this level. Their success is not just a reflection of individual effort, but also of the strong team culture that pushes each athlete to be their best. As they look ahead, the experience of competing at states will serve as motivation to continue improving and striving for even greater achievements in the future.
The state tournament was a test of skill, resilience, and determination for the JCHS wrestlers, but it was also a reward for their dedication throughout the season. With strong performances and valuable lessons learned, these athletes will carry their experiences forward—both on and off the mat.
