LCM produces five champs, MOW in winning team team at Gator Tournament

Posted: December 17th 2023

The Lower Cape May Regional High School wrestling team produced five champions and placed first at the Gator Tournament Saturday.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

The Lower Cape May Regional High School wrestling team enjoyed a terrific day at the Gator Tournament at Gateway Regional High School Saturday.

The Caper Tigers produced five champions and six others who finished second or third at the nine-team tournament and won the team championship by a wide margin, scoring 223 points to second-place Lenape’s 180.

Sophomore Chase Hansen, a seventh-place finisher at the state championships last season, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler for his dominant performance at 138 pounds. Hansen received a bye in the opening round before winning his semifinal and championship bouts by fall.

Other champions for Lower included Bryce Paley at 113 pounds, Logan Haggerty at 175 pounds, Isiah Carr-Wing at 190 pounds and Ben Rue at heavyweight.

Quinten Hagan narrowly missed becoming a sixth champion for Lower, suffering a tough 3-2 overtime decision in the championship match at 215 pounds. Daniel Byrne also placed second for Lower at 157 pounds.

Billy Whitney (120), Jahcere Harris (132), Gabe Tosto (144) and Deron Azille (165) each finished in third place after winning consolation matches following semifinal losses.

Connor Barikian (126) was a fourth-place finisher for Lower.

Every Caper Tiger wrestler who competed won his first-round match to reach the semifinal round.

Lower is next in action Tuesday at home against Mainland at 6 p.m. The Tigers then host Millville and Vineland on Friday at 3 p.m.