UPDATE: Old Bridge High School has just secured the District 7 girls wrestling title, showcasing remarkable depth and resilience amidst a challenging season. The victory at the NJSIAA/IBEW Local 102 District 7 tournament held in Old Bridge is a significant turnaround for the Knights, who overcame previous losses to their Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) rivals.
Old Bridge emerged victorious with a total of 212.5 points, narrowly defeating North Brunswick, which finished with 203.5 points. The Knights displayed exceptional teamwork, qualifying nine wrestlers for the upcoming regionals, a testament to their commitment and growth throughout the season, particularly following a serious injury to teammate Adriana Maria earlier this year.
Head coach John Post emphasized the importance of unity in their success. “They’ve been through a lot… They’re really supportive of one another,” he stated, highlighting the strength of the team spirit that helped them overcome adversity.
The only individual champion for Old Bridge, Yuliana Hryn, clinched the title in the 235-pound weight class, securing victory with a first-period pin against Hillsborough’s Jana Adalate. This win underscores Hryn’s pivotal role in the team’s overall performance.
The tournament, held on March 1, 2026, also featured notable performances from East Brunswick’s Olivia Mitchell, who was named Outstanding Wrestler (OW) after defeating fellow state medalist Isabella Bonilla in a thrilling 4-3 decision. East Brunswick’s Leilani Huggins added to their success by winning the 100-pound title.
Other champions included Janiya Orihuela and D’Atra Dorismond from North Brunswick, as well as Averie Harmon and Natalia Rusin from Middletown South. Hillsborough’s Charlida Cimino and Manali Braich also claimed titles, with Braich defeating the top two wrestlers in her bracket to secure her championship.
This victory marks a significant comeback for Old Bridge, who had placed third in earlier GMC tournaments, proving their capability in a competitive landscape. Coach Post credited assistant coach Jake Wiatroski for his leadership in the girls’ program and noted the potential of the team moving forward.
As the Knights prepare for the regional qualifiers, all eyes will be on their ability to maintain this momentum and further excel against tough competition. The community’s support remains strong as Old Bridge looks to build on this hard-fought success.
Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming wrestling matches and the impact of these athletes in the region.
