PODCAST · sports
New Jersey Mat Chat
by Peter Normandia
The #1 video podcast and content provider for New Jersey high school wrestling. Up close, in depth and uncensored.
Episodes
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087: Top 50 New Jersey High School Wrestlers of All Time
🏆 WHO ARE NEW JERSEY'S 50 GREATEST HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLERS OF ALL TIME? After releasing our Top 50 rankings, Pete and Doug sit down to explain how the list was created, why certain wrestlers made the cut, and what it takes to compare greatness across generations. 🤼 From the legends of the 1970s…
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086: Rob Nucci
What defines a great wrestling coach? Championships? Career wins? State titles? For legendary Raritan wrestling coach Rob Nucci, the answer goes much deeper. Nucci became a high school head coach at just 22 years old, taking over Pinelands before eventually building Raritan into one of the Shore...
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085: Sonny DiMatteo
Three high schools. Three very different experiences. And Sonny DiMatteo says he wouldn't change the path. The Point Pleasant Borough senior has already experienced more change during his high school wrestling career than most athletes ever will. He started at Brick Memorial — the program he had...
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084: Orlando Cáceres
Orlando Cáceres didn't grow up expecting to become an Olympian. Born in Puerto Rico to an Air Force family, Orlando eventually landed in Pemberton, New Jersey and started wrestling in seventh grade. He considers himself an average young wrestler. Then he got tired of losing. What followed became...
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083: Chris Bolletino
At just 26 years old, Chris Bolletino is taking over the wrestling program he once competed for. The Haddonfield alum is the new head wrestling coach at Haddonfield High School — making him one of the youngest head coaches in New Jersey wrestling. But Bolletino isn't walking into the job without...
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082: Johnny Johnson
Are we developing better wrestlers — or just creating more opportunities to win matches? Johnny “J-Rock” Johnson has spent more than three decades thinking about that question. A Moorestown graduate, 3X NCAA All-American at Trenton State and founder of RAW 241, Johnson has coached generations of...
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081: Liam Suydam
Liam Suydam didn't wrestle a single match his freshman year. Before his first high school season even got started, the Moorestown wrestler suffered an injury that put him in a metal cast and ended his entire season. At the time, it was a huge setback. Looking back? It may have changed the…
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080: Eric Morley
Eric Morley didn't grow up as a wrestling phenom. In fact, he didn't start wrestling until high school. His freshman record? 0-8. Today, he's the head wrestling coach at Middletown North and has helped build a program producing state champions, state qualifiers and wrestlers who have gone on to...
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079: Jackson Fearon
Jackson Fearon almost quit wrestling. As a sophomore at Middletown North, he was trying to maintain 120 pounds. His routine? Wake up at 4 AM. Run. Sauna. School. Practice. Go home. Nap. Then go to another practice. Eventually, he'd had enough. Jackson stopped showing up to practice. Coach Morley...
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078: Pat Glory
Pat Glory knows what it feels like to come up one match short. Before becoming an NCAA National Champion at Princeton, Glory lost three youth state finals. Then he reached the New Jersey high school state final as a freshman — and lost. He came back as a sophomore. Made the final again. And lost...
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077: Joey Monticello
Second in New Jersey isn't good enough for Joey Monticello. The Hanover Park senior came within one match of an NJ State Championship last season. Now he's coming back with bigger expectations. Joey joins New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about growing up in one of North Jersey's traditional wrestling...
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076: John Martin
Legends never die. Their stories live on through the people they inspired. New Jersey Mat Chat is proud to present the first installment of Legends Never Die, honoring the life and legacy of Johnny Martin, the 1992 New Jersey State Champion from Absegami High School. Johnny Martin's life was cut...
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075: Jayce Cappello
Jayce Cappello didn't grow up as an elite year-round wrestler. He was a baseball player who got serious about wrestling entering high school. Now he's chasing an NJ State Championship. Toms River East standout Jayce Cappello joins New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about his rapid rise in New Jersey…
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074: Billy Damiana
Are we making New Jersey high school wrestling better—or making the path too easy? Lower Cape May head wrestling and football coach Billy Damiana joins New Jersey Mat Chat: Coach’s Corner for a wide-ranging conversation about coaching, toughness, athlete development and some of the biggest issues...
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073: MJ Gorrell
New Jersey wrestling has a new name to watch this season: MJ Gorrell. Except MJ isn't exactly new. The Somerset, NJ native spent his first two high school seasons competing across the border at Conwell-Egan in Pennsylvania, reaching the state blood round as a freshman and placing Top 8 in PA as a...
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072: Jason Nase
What does New Jersey high school wrestling need to change? Coach Jay Nace has some ideas. Former Division I All-American, longtime Rider assistant and respected New Jersey wrestling coach Jay Nase joins New Jersey Mat Chat: Coach’s Corner for a wide-ranging conversation about coaching, athlete...
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071: Julius Feliciano
Fourth in New Jersey as a freshman. Now Julius Feliciano wants the top of the podium. Toms River East standout Julius Feliciano joins New Jersey Mat Chat after an incredible freshman season that ended with a 4th-place finish at the New Jersey State Championships in Atlantic City. And he's nowhere...
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070: Adam Derengowski
Adam Derengowski went 0–8 as a freshman and was pinned in every match. Four years later, he was a New Jersey State Champion. And that was only the beginning. In this episode of the New Jersey Mat Chat Legends Series, former Paul VI standout and Rider NCAA All-American Adam Derengowski tells the...
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069: John Fenuto
John Fenuto has already been one match away from the podium in Atlantic City. Now his mindset for next season is simple: PLACE OR BUST. West Deptford standout and Northeast Regional Champion John Fenuto joins New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about his rise through the New Jersey wrestling scene, his…
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068: Mark Manchio
Few wrestlers in New Jersey history competed with more confidence than Mark Manchio. A 4-time New Jersey State Finalist, 3-time State Champion, Beast of the East champion, and Division I wrestler at Northern Iowa, Mark built a reputation as one of the most exciting—and polarizing—wrestlers of his...
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067: Eli Glover
One decision changed the course of Eli Glover's wrestling career. After struggling in middle school, Lower Cape May standout Eli Glover made the difficult decision to reclass. That extra year of development gave him the confidence and experience to become one of South Jersey's rising wrestlers.…
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066: Geoffrey Wade
Winning matches is important. Building great people is even more important. In this episode of New Jersey Mat Chat, Palmyra head wrestling coach Geoff Wade shares his philosophy on coaching, athlete development, and why creating the right culture matters far more than chasing trophies. As the…
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065: Jayden & Soma Jardine
Jayden Jardine didn't grow up wrestling. He didn't start until 7th grade, but through hard work, determination, and the support of his family, he's developed into one of South Jersey's rising talents. In this special episode of New Jersey Mat Chat, Jayden is joined by his mother, Soma Jardine…
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064: Gabe & Roman Onorato
Is Division II college wrestling one of the best-kept secrets in the sport? Former Drexel wrestler and Glenville State assistant coach Gabe Onorato joins his younger brother Roman Onorato, a Glenville State wrestler, to explain why more New Jersey wrestlers should consider the Division II route.…
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063: Tristan Rosemeyer
He's been one match away from the podium two years in a row. Now, Tristan Rosemeyer is determined to break through. Lower Cape May standout Tristan Rosemeyer joins New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about his wrestling journey, the mindset it takes to compete in New Jersey, and why he believes his…
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062: Pat Lynch
Long before national rankings and social media, there was Pat Lynch. Known for his relentless style and unwavering confidence, Pat Lynch became one of the most dominant wrestlers New Jersey has ever produced. A 2-time New Jersey State Champion, NCAA All-American at Arizona State, and one of the...
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061: Evan Tallmadge
From Fargo champion to New Jersey state champion to Division I wrestling at Pitt, Evan Tallmadge's journey has been anything but ordinary. In this episode of New Jersey Mat Chat, former Brick Memorial standout Evan Tallmadge shares his path through New Jersey wrestling, his time at the Naval...
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060: Joe Melchiore
Before there was social media, there was Joe Melchiore. Long before today's national rankings and viral highlights, Joe Melchiore became one of the most feared wrestlers New Jersey had ever produced. A 3-time New Jersey State Champion, South Jersey's first 100-match winner, 4-time NCAA...
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059: Noah Hernandez
Most wrestlers would've shut it down. Noah Hernandez kept competing. Seton Hall Prep standout Noah Hernandez joins New Jersey Mat Chat to share the story of wrestling through a torn elbow during the postseason, winning a district title, finishing as a regional runner-up, and earning a trip to the...
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058: Roundtable
What really happens between coaches and officials during a wrestling match? For the first-ever New Jersey Mat Chat Coaches Roundtable, veteran wrestling official Gary Wade sits down with two of South Jersey's most respected coaches — Mike Ahern (Audubon) and Mike Lamb (Haddonfield) — for an…
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057: Jimmy Lawson
From discovering wrestling in 8th grade to becoming a 3-time New Jersey State Champion, a Penn State All-American, a Division I football player, and eventually training alongside Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, David Taylor, and Bo Nickal, Jimmy's story is one of the most unique in NJ wrestling...
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056: Jim Rutter
This is one of the most passionate conversations we've ever had on New Jersey Mat Chat. Gateway Wrestling head coach Jim Rutter shares the incredible story of how he built a wrestling program, overcame unimaginable family tragedy, and dedicated his life to mentoring generations of wrestlers in...
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055: Tyler Going
Tyler Going's story is one every New Jersey wrestler can relate to. He wasn't the youth phenom. He wasn't the kid winning everything growing up. In fact, he lost a wrestle-off as a freshman and spent years watching teammates achieve goals he wanted for himself. But through consistency, offseason...
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054: Kurt DeWoody
A state title. Four state placers. A state champion. Not a bad first year. New Delsea head coach Kurt DeWoody joins New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about taking over one of New Jersey's most successful wrestling programs and navigating the pressure that comes with it. In this episode, Coach DeWoody...
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053: Bobby Duffy
One year he was leaving Atlantic City disappointed. The next year he was standing on top of the podium. CBA standout and Iowa commit Bobby Duffy joins New Jersey Mat Chat to break down the journey that led him from heartbreak at the New Jersey State Championships to becoming a New Jersey State...
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052: Mark Grey
Few people in New Jersey wrestling have lived as many sides of the sport as Mark Grey. From becoming the first-ever 4-time Beast of the East Champion, to wrestling at Blair Academy, competing internationally, wrestling at Cornell, fighting professionally in MMA, and now leading Toms River East...
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051: Sal Marchese
Four straight group titles. A top-ranked Delsea team. And now, Division I wrestling at Drexel. Delsea standout Sal Marchese joins New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about one of the most successful eras in South Jersey wrestling and what comes next as he prepares for college wrestling. In this episode,...
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050: Gene Zannetti
What separates a New Jersey state champion from everyone else? According to Gene Zannetti, it isn't always technique, strength, or conditioning. It's mindset. In this episode of New Jersey Mat Chat, Gene Zannetti of Wrestling Mindset joins us at Shore Thing Wrestling Club for a deep conversation...
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049: Teddy Sims
Two years ago, Teddy Sims wasn't placing at tournaments. Today, he's one of South Jersey's top young wrestlers. In this episode of New Jersey Mat Chat, Teddy talks about his journey from struggling as a beginner to becoming a South Jersey Wrestling League finalist and one of the most dedicated...
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048: John Van Brill
One of South Jersey wrestling’s most respected club coaches joins New Jersey Mat Chat. John Van Brill sits down to talk about: • Growing up at Clearview • Wrestling at Rutgers • How J-Rob camp changed his life • Why South Jersey wrestling has fallen behind • The politics of offseason wrestling in...
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047: Jonas Lusker
One of New Jersey’s top freshman wrestlers just gave a glimpse into the future. Southern Regional standout Jonas Lusker joins New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about: • Wrestling in one of NJ’s toughest rooms • Winning districts & regions as a freshman • Placing 4th in New Jersey • The pressure of...
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046: Michael Barikian
This is one of the deepest wrestling conversations we’ve had yet. Kingsway head coach Mike Barikian joins New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about: • Growing up in South Jersey wrestling • Finishing 4th in the state • Wrestling at Navy • Leadership lessons from the Marine Corps • Building Kingsway into…
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045: Owen Boyle
“I hated wrestling for two years.” Lenape standout Owen Boyle joins New Jersey Mat Chat for one of the most honest conversations yet — opening up about burnout, confidence, weight cuts, and eventually learning how to enjoy wrestling again. In this episode, Owen talks about: • Feeling unfulfilled...
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044: Mike Ahearn
Coach Mike Ahern joins New Jersey Mat Chat for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had yet. From wrestling under legendary coach Gary Papa at Paul VI… to coaching state champions… to stepping away from wrestling after personal tragedy… Coach Ahern opens up about everything that shaped him....
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043: Bigger & Better with Thomas Blewett
From 95 pounds as a freshman… to standing on top of New Jersey. Middletown North state champion Tommy Blewett joins New Jersey Mat Chat to break down his journey to becoming one of the best wrestlers in the state at 106 pounds. In this episode, Tommy talks about: • Growing up undersized • Finally...
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042: Wisdom Wins with Kevin Landolt
rom NJ state champion… to Division I football… to the NFL… and back to coaching the next generation. Kevin Landolt joins New Jersey Mat Chat to tell the full story of his journey through wrestling, football, and life after sports. In this episode we cover: • Old-school NJ wrestling before clubs...
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041: Its Our Turn with the Ross Twins
Two brothers. One path. And now… it’s their turn. The Ross Twins (Thomas & John) join New Jersey Mat Chat to talk about their journey, their bond, and what’s next as they prepare to enter one of the toughest wrestling rooms in the country at CBA. This episode goes deeper than wrestling: • Growing...
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040: Simplified with Ricky DeLorenzo
Ricky DiLorenzo breaks down his journey from a lightly competing youth wrestler to a New Jersey state placer and one of the toughest competitors in the state. In this episode, we cover: • His rise at Toms River East • The impact of Coach Mark Gray on the program • Why he doesn’t overcomplicate...
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039: Mind Over Matter with Gideon Gonzalez
From getting beat up as a kid… to standing on top of New Jersey. Gideon Gonzalez joins New Jersey Mat Chat to break down his journey to becoming a New Jersey State Champion at 138 lbs — and what it really took to get there. We dive into: • Growing up in a wrestling family • The pressure of…
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038: No Issues with Luke Johnston
Some wrestlers compete with doubt. Others don’t. Luke Johnston joins New Jersey Mat Chat to break down the mindset behind his approach to wrestling — one built on confidence and preparation. And a pace like no other. We talk about what separates good wrestlers from great ones, how he handles...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does New Jersey Mat Chat have?
New Jersey Mat Chat currently has 85 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is New Jersey Mat Chat about?
The #1 video podcast and content provider for New Jersey high school wrestling. Up close, in depth and uncensored.
How often does New Jersey Mat Chat release new episodes?
New Jersey Mat Chat has 85 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to New Jersey Mat Chat?
You can listen to New Jersey Mat Chat on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts New Jersey Mat Chat?
New Jersey Mat Chat is created and hosted by Peter Normandia.
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