Middlesex Wrestling Qualifies 6 for Nationals
Middlesex County College wrestling qualified 6 wrestlers for the 2020 National Championship in Council Bluffs IA. Competing against D1, D2, and D3 junior college programs the Colts were able to pick up 2 Falls, a major decision, and a decision in Iowa. Leading the team was Sophomore standout Demetrius Ruiz from Carteret, NJ. Demetrius went 2-2 on the day with an impressive 20-7 victory in the wrestle backs after suffering a close loss in his first bout of the tournament 9-4. Both Freshman Joseph Hatcher of Piscataway and Corey Fernandez of Monroe were able to pick up pins in their first national championship appearance. Taking some close losses, they gained valuable experience and will be exciting to watch this upcoming season as they will be returning to Middlesex for their sophomore campaign. Chris Folkens of Middlesex who was a late decision to the team filled in a much-needed spot for the team. Although he was not able to pick up any victories in Council Bluffs his contributions during the season allowed the colts to finish 2nd in the District and 3rd in the region. Hunter Marhan from Long Branch had a very tough draw losing a match to the eventual 4th place finisher. Although his career with the Colts is over, he will be continuing his athletic career as he plans on transferring to a 4 year institution. The Middlesex County Colts will be returning 3 national qualifiers for the 2021 season and will also have Jerry Lleshi a 2019 national qualifier returning for his second year as well.