Weighing In, S2, Ep12: Wrestling state champs crowned, can N.J. fix team tourney? & more

In this episode of Weighing In, NJ.com's high school wrestling podcast, reporters Jake Aferiat, Bob Badders, Bill Evans, Ryan Patti and Joe Zedalis recap the team wrestling state finals that happened over the weekend at Jersey Mike's Arena at Rutgers University. The reporters discuss if the team wrestling state tournament has a competitive-balance issue after seven of the eight state finals ended up being lopsided, and what the state could do to make it a more competitive field for the public school programs. Rumson-Fair Haven's Sonny Amato joins the show after he helped his team win the Group 2 state championship as he gets ready for the individual season, which starts this weekend. The reporters also preview District Saturday.

0:00: Recapping the state championship matches at Rutgers, which featured eight championship matches, including the first girls team state championship match, which Jackson Township won. There was only one matchup that was close, and that was the Group 2 final between Rumson-Fair Haven and Lower Cape May. Rumson ended up winning 35-33.

8:00: Top-ranked Delbarton beat Christian Brothers in the Non-Public A final, exorcising its demons from last year after losing to St. Joseph (Mont.). Delbarton left no question as to who the No. 1 team in the state this year is. Sean Kenny returned for CBA during the Non-Public semifinals, which should be a springboard for him next season when he’s a junior.

14:05: Southern won its fourth straight Group 5 state championship, dominating Old Bridge by winning 11 of the 14 bouts and getting bonus points in 10 bouts. Southern has a young group of wrestlers and people should expect the Group 5 dynasty to continue.

17:20: Delsea won its fifth straight Group 3 state title and Camden Catholic won the Non-Public B title with a win over Pope John. Expect Delsea to continue to build on its tradition moving forward.

20:40: Delaware Valley won its second straight Group 1 championship by beating Emerson Boro. They’ve been dominant in Group 1 the last two years. They are the first public school to finish undefeated since North Hunterdon in 2020.

24:50: Camden Catholic was the other team that finished undefeated in the state. This year’s Irish team is in the conversation as the best team in program history.

28:00: Mount Olive captured the Group 4 title with a win over Toms River East by winning nine bouts. The Marauders’ run might’ve had the toughest run of any public school going into Rutgers.

30:20: Jack