The St. Joe's wrestling team competed in the NJSIAA wrestling championships down in Atlantic City two weekends ago and had a phenomenal showing. Thirteen wrestlers punched their tickets to the tournament and all performed admirably. The Green Knights set a team record by having ten wrestlers make their way onto the podium. The four returning medalists that placed again were Frank Dibella (4th), Mike Dellagatta (1st), Aidan Schlett (6th), and Jimmy Mullen (1st). The six newcomers to the podium are Jonathon McGinty (5th), Vinny Paino (5th), Donny Almeyda (4th), Yannis Charles (2nd), and Ryan Burton (3rd).
The highlight of the tournament was seniors Mike Dellagatta and Jimmy Mullen ending their illustrious highschool wrestling careers by being crowned team and individual state champions. Dellagatta ended his career off with a record 122-12. He is a four time medalist (1st, 3rd, 3rd, and 4th), three time district champion, three time regional champion, and a four time county champion. Dellagatta won his state title bout with a commanding 6-3 victory over Anthony Harris of St. Peter’s Prep. Mullen had a final record of 115-6. He is a three time state champion, three time district champion, three time region champion, four time county champion, folkstyle and greco roman national champion, and a world freestyle finalist. With arguably the match of the tournament, Mullen secured his third state title with a last second takedown to win the match. Looking back on the season, there is no doubt that this was a special team, solidifying themselves as the greatest wrestling team in Green Knight history.