2012-2013 TCNJ Preview

The College of New Jersey Lions (East Region)
Head Coach: R. Joseph Galante
Years at School as head coach: 2nd year
Career Record at school: 11-9
Assistant Coaches: Sean Flynn, Brian Dempsey, Dave Ilaria, Len Goduto

2011-2012 Dual Meet Record: 11-9
2011-2012 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Mike Denver (184,Champ), John Darling (157, 6th), Dan Herr (133, 5th)
Returning Qualifiers and All-Americans: Darling & Herr return as AA, Brian Broderick and Steve Godine qualifiers from 2011

Top returning starters with accomplishments:
125 – Steve Godine – 2011 NCAA Qualifier
133 – Dan Herr – 5th NCAA
157 – John Darling – 6th NCAA
174 – Brian Broderick – 2011 NCAA Qualifier

Top incoming wrestlers:
NJ HWT State Champion Cody Melton
NJ State Placewinner 2011 Ron Hoover
NJ State Placewinner 2010 Kevin Churchill

Season outlook:
First year head coach Joe Galante had a tough job following in the footsteps of Dave Icenhower, the longtime TCNJ coach, but he stepped in ably and led the team to a 6th place finish with three All-Americans. Two of those All-Americans, Dan Herr and John Darling, are back in 2012-2013 and will form the backbone of what should be a strong team. Also returning are a pair of 2011 NCAA qualifiers in Steve Godine and Brian Broderick. All four of these wrestlers will challenge East Region titles. The incoming class is highlighted by a trio of New Jersey placewinners including last year’s state champion at 285 Cody Melton. TCNJ has been a consistent top 20 team for over 30 years, and that seems like a trend that will continue.