TCNJ Preview

Another year brought another good season for one of the top teams in the East.  After a 19 win regular season and another Metropolitan Conference title, TCNJ went on to produce two All-Americans in 165 lb. Justin Bonitatis and 174 lb. Gregory Osgoodby.  However, 2008 was the first time ever that TCNJ finished outside the top 20 at the NCAA Division III tournament.  They plan to start a new streak this year, as all three NCAA qualifiers return along with 2007 All-American Tyler Branham.  Additionally, Metro placers Dan Hughes, Chris Prihoda, and Dan DiColo are all back for the Lions.  TCNJ boasts great depth at a few weights this year, and the starters will not be able to relax.  Kyle Kinchen at 125 and Al Wonesh at 165 have the ability to step in and win matches this year, and where exactly Branham and Barnett will end up in the lineup will not be finalized until January.  The lineup TCNJ eventually sends to the Metropolitan Championships should be strong and will be favored to take home the team championship for the third year in a row.  A nice group of NJ state placewinners joins the squad and will only add to the team’s depth.  Finally, a good dual meet season could find head coach David Icenhower earning his 500th win at TcNJ, as he sits just 16 wins away from a remarkable milestone.

Team: The College of New Jersey
Head Coach: David Icenhower (Lehigh ’71)
Years at School as head coach: 33 years
Career Record at school: 484-80-3
Assistant Coaches: Joe Pollard, Joe Galante, David Ilaria, Tom Isaac, Sean Flynn, Brian Dempsey, Len Goduto

2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 19-3
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Gregory Osgoodby (174/7th), Justin Bonitatis (165/8th), John Barnett (149/NQ)
Returning Qualifiers and All-Americans: Osgoodby, Bonitatis, Barnett, Tyler Branham (141/8th/2007)

Top returning starters: 125 Dan Hughes 2nd Metro, 141 Chris Prihoda 3rd Metro, 141/149 Tyler Branham 2007 All-American, 149 John Barnett NCAA Qualifier, 157 Dan DiColo 3rd Metro, 165 Justin Bonitatis 8th NCAA, 174 Gregory Osgoodby 7th NCAA

Top incoming wrestlers: NJ State placewinners Dan Herr, Anthony Rizzolo, Jim Somma, Joe Falco, Rob Garone