VIDEO, PHOTOS: Lots of holiday cheer for LCM wrestlers as they enter Christmas break on a serious roll

Posted: December 24th 2023

Lower Cape May's Connor Barikian works his way to an 8-3 decision against Millville at 126 pounds during Friday's tri-meet.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

ERMA – Those associated with the wrestling program at Lower Cape May Regional High School wrestling program will head into the Christmas holiday with some extra cheer.

The Caper Tigers continued their torrid start to the 2023-24 season by sweeping a tri-match over Millville and Vineland shortly after school was dismissed for the holidays Friday afternoon.

The 59-6 victory over Millville and 51-18 win over Vineland – a pair of Group IV schools with strong pedigree – have sent Lower into the holiday with a dual meet record of 5-0. Lower also takes a tournament championship into the break, having won the Gator Tournament at Gateway Regional High School on Dec. 16.

Six Lower Cape May wrestlers won both of their bouts Friday by fall. They included Jahcere Harris (132), Chase Hansen (138), Gabe Tosto (144), Dom Marrero (150), Isiah Carr-Wing (190) and Ben Rue (Hwt.). Four others won both of their bouts – Connor Barikian (126), Deron Azile (165), Logan Haggerty (175) and Quinten Hagan (215). And three others were winners in one of two bouts – Bryce Paley (113)m Billy Whitney (120) and Dan Byrne (157).

Coach Billy Damiana’s team is next in action at the Art Marinelli Tournament at Egg Harbor Township on Thursday. Lower’s next dual meet is set for Jan. 4 at home against Hammonton in what could be one of the team’s toughest matchups of the regular season.

Billy Whitney (right) of Lower Cape May posted a 10-4 decision at 120 pounds against Millville.

Lower Cape May's Jahcere Harris (top) stays in control en route to victory at 132 pounds vs. Millville.

Lower Cape may's Gabe Tosto records a pin at 144 pounds vs. Millville.

Lower Cape May's Danny Byrne squares off with Millville's Ryan Tepper. Byrne won the 157-pound match by 14-11 decision.

Lower Cape May's Deron Azile control's Millville's Marquis Allen at 165 pounds. Azile posted a 10-4 victory.

Lower Cape May's Isiah Carr-Wing peeks at the match official as he moves into position to pin Millville's Braden Catlett at 190 pounds.