By Rich Chrampanis | rchrampanis@tworivertimes.com
ATLANTIC CITY – New Jersey wrestling championships are the ultimate display of the old adage “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” Behind the stage at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall you can see firsthand the heartbreak of wrestlers who fall just short of winning a state title. There are tears and consoling from coaches who try to be there for an athlete who is genuinely devastated. Middletown North’s Tyler Klinsky knows all about that feeling, having lost in the 2019 state finals at 106 pounds.
Klinsky got to experience the other side of the adage in front of thousands Saturday. The senior closed out his high school career with a 6-3 decision over Don Bosco Prep’s Kelly Dunnigan to win the 113-pound state title.
“I’ve put a lot of work into this sport for the last four years,” Klinsky said. “I was working harder than most people know. Most times I was by myself with one of my coaches. I finally came out here after losing last year and got it done.”
The Rider University signee was able to avenge the only loss of his senior year. Dunnigan defeated Klinsky 10-5 at the Sam Cali Invitational in Ramsey in January. It put the Lions senior in the unusual role of underdog despite having a 48-1 record heading into the championship match.
A late 2-point takedown in the first period got Klinsky on the board and he was able to build a 6-1 lead in the third period on a reversal to pick up win number 49, the sweetest of them all.
“My coaches have been saying to me that you don’t have to tech (technical fall) every kid, especially these top-ranked guys,” Klinsky said. “Just going out, being smart, keeping my head up at all times and just keep wrestling through every position and good things happen.”
Klinsky finishes his career as the all-time leader in wins in the Shore Conference with 169, highlighted by four district titles, four region titles and the first outright state title for Middletown North’s wrestling program.
“It’s unbelievable. Kenny Hopfsensperger did it back in ’74 when it was Middletown (High School),” head coach Matt Sirchio said. “(When) the schools divided, South got a couple but this is the first for the Lions. He wanted it and brought it home.”
Immediately after Klinsky’s AC moment, Saint John Vianney’s Dean Peterson ran down the long runway and onto the mat seeking a second straight state championship, this time at 120 pounds. Standing in his way was a familiar rival. Brick Memorial’s Vincent Santianello had faced Peterson four previous times, most recently at the Shore Conference Tournament last month. Peterson rallied from 3-0 down to get a 5-3 win at Red Bank Regional against his rival. The match in Atlantic City had a very different feel.
Peterson was content to take a defensive approach and prevent Santaniello from scoring any points via takedown. When the SJV junior got a 1-point escape early in the third period, it was the only point he needed. The savvy wrestling crowd watching the much-anticipated match was looking for more scoring and showered Peterson with boos as he celebrated his second straight state championship. Much like a wrestling villain – or NASCAR champion Kyle Busch – Peterson was completely unfazed by the crowd’s reaction.
“I’m used to getting booed so it felt good,” Peterson said. “Everyone who wants to hate on me it’s because they can’t succeed like I do. When you can talk the talk and you can walk the walk, you can say anything you want.”
Peterson used his five matches at Boardwalk Hall to remind everyone that he is, without question, one of the best wrestlers in the nation. While his 1-0 match in the final was close, Peterson did not give up a single point over the weekend. His combined score tally of 34-0 is truly a remarkable feat. He’s on a 73-match win streak and is 108-2 heading into his senior year.
“If I’m on top of my game, no one’s going to score on me,” Peterson said. “I can ride on top for a full two minutes. Honestly I could ride for 30 or 40 minutes on someone. I’m putting my school on the map and I’m repping it the best I can, so that’s amazing.”
The article originally appeared in the March 12-18, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
