120 pounds
Saturday Wrestlebacks 1
Jackson Liberty’s Matthew Russo had takedowns in each of the first two periods en route to a 7-2 lead in first wrestlebacks. Gattinella escaped to start the third period but couldn’t score again and lost 7-3.
Friday prequarterfinals
Gattinella made a late push in the third period, but lost by major decision 15-6 to Governor Livingston's Jon Mele.
Tom Gattinella, St. Augustine Prep, Sr., (35-3)
Record vs. state qualifiers: 2-2.
Highlight wins: Won a 3-2 decision against Lower Cape May’s Zach Valcarce in the District 32 final for his third district crown. Avenged a loss from the region finals his junior season with a 2-1 decision against West Deptford’s Tyler Kaminski in the Region 8 finals.
Seed: Bottom bracket No. 5 seed.
Back points: The three-time District 32 champ is making his third trip to states in Atlantic City and looking to reach the podium for the first time. Gattinella showed his propensity for winning close matches, winning three matches in the Region 8 tournament by a combined four points. Gattinella has a bye in the prelims and will face the winner of a preliminary-round match between bottom bracket No. 4 seed Jon Mele of Governor Livingston and unseeded Michael Lenahan of Bishop Eustace.
