History-chasing Hansen leads locals’ efforts at Region 8 Tournament

Posted: March 9th 2026

Lower Cape May senior Chase Hansen, after winning his fourth straight Region 8 title, stands with his grandfather, Blair Hansen, Lower Cape May's first-ever state place winner.

By DAVID WEINBERG

For CapeAtlanticLive.com 

WILLIAMSTOWN – Lower Cape May Regional High School wrestler Chase Hansen enters next weekend’s state individual championship on the cusp of greatness.

His 10-4 decision over Delsea Regional’s Amari Vann in the 138-pound Region 8 final at Williamstown High School Saturday was the 174th victory of his career, leaving him one short of the state record of 175 currently held by 2011 Bound Brook graduate Andrew Campolattano.

Hansen will also take the mat at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall with 114 career pins. Campolattano, who finished his high school career with a 175-1 mark, holds that state record with 116 falls.

But there is one achievement that takes precedence over the others.

“Getting the wins record would definitely mean a lot to me,” Hansen said. “But winning a state title is something that I’m really shooting for.”

A state championship – he placed fifth as a freshman, third as a sophomore and fourth as a junior - would make him the second Lower Cape May wrestler to accomplish the feat, joining two-time winner Shawn Laughlin. Laughlin won back-to-back titles at 215 pounds in 1996-97.

Hansen became the first Lower wrestler to win four region titles on Saturday. He did so with an impressive performance in the final that enabled him to earn the Outstanding Wrestler award for the tournament.

Lower Cape May coach Billy Damiana was named Region 8 head coach of the Year.

Hansen (40-2) had needed a third-period comeback to beat Vann earlier in the season, but took charge at the outset of the rematch with an early takedown, then added two more to eliminate the need for another rally.

“I was definitely more aggressive this time,” Hansen said. “I wanted to get that early takedown so I could take control of the match right away.”

After referee Jason Brown – a former wrestler and coach at Oakcrest High School – raised his arm in victory, Hansen sprinted off the mat to hug Damiana, then headed over to the bleachers to celebrate with family and friends.

Hansen posed for photos atop the awards podium, then sought out his paternal grandfather for a hug.

Blair Hansen was Lower Cape May’s first state place-winner, finishing fourth at 148 pounds as a junior in 1975.

“I’m just so proud of him,” Blair Hansen said. “It’s hard not to be. He’s a great wrestler and he’s a great kid.”

Chase Hansen’s wrestling prowess was developed through years of competing in tournaments throughout the country.

The intangibles – toughness, dedication, work ethic – were forged in the ocean.

Before he ever stepped on a mat, he was on the deck of his grandfather’s fishing boat.

“That’s where he got his work ethic,” Blair said.

That’s still the case.

Chase, who is headed to Rider University in the fall, spends his summer afternoons working for his family’s restaurants – Two Mile Landing, H&H Seafood and the Mad Viking.

Mornings are spent on the water, where the bond between grandson and grandfather continues to grow.

“The toughest part is getting up at four o’clock in the morning,” Chase said with a laugh. “But I love it.”

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Chase and his cousin Shane Morrell – another one of Blair’s 14 grandchildren – were among seven local wrestlers to qualify for the state championships with top-four finishes in their respective weight classes on Saturday.

Lower Cape May sophomore Tristen Rosemeyer, a transfer from Williamstown, won his second straight Region 8 title. He took top honors at 113 pounds with a 4-1 decision over Kingsway Regional’s Evan Villecco.

Teammate Bryce Paley finished second at 120 with a 3-0 loss to Southern Regional’s Cade Collins in the final.

Middle Township’s R.J. Attenborough (165), and Lower’s Daniel Byrne (157) and Eli Glover (132) advanced by finishing third. Morrell (175) placed fourth.

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Chase Hansen and Rosemeyer are the eighth and ninth Lower Cape May wrestlers to win at least one region title. The first was Larry Detris (170) in 1977.