Waldwick/Midland Park Wrestling Team Builds Momentum in Historic 2025 Season
Wrestling is a sport that demands grit, resilience, and an unyielding heart — qualities that the Waldwick/Midland Park Warriors showcased in abundance throughout their 2025 season. Under the guidance of Coach Gianni Manginelli, the Warriors not only rewrote the record books but also restored a competitive pride that hadn’t been seen in over a decade.
From breaking long-standing losing streaks to crowning district champions, this year’s team made waves across New Jersey wrestling circles. Here’s an in-depth look at the season that brought excitement, growth, and renewed hope to the Warriors’ program.
Key Contributors: Leading the Charge
Coach Manginelli pointed to four standout wrestlers who embodied the warrior spirit this season: seniors Jake Abramson, Ralph Warner, and Joseph Giannetti, along with sophomore Giovanni Giardina.
Together, these four qualified for the regional tournament — a milestone the program hadn’t seen with this many qualifiers in ten years.
Two of those athletes, Abramson and Giardina, captured district titles, marking the first time since 2017 the Warriors returned home with two champions in a single season.
Jake Abramson (17-6), despite battling an early-season injury, demonstrated tremendous mental toughness and finished strong with a district title and a regional placement.
Giovanni Giardina (32-9) was a dominant force throughout the year, proving himself as a cornerstone for the team’s success.
Ralph Warner (26-12) provided veteran leadership and solid performances week in and week out.
Joseph Giannetti (18-17), only in his second year of wrestling, made an extraordinary leap from winning one match last season to 18 victories this year, thanks to relentless offseason work.
A Season of Breakthroughs
The 2025 season brought numerous firsts for the Warriors, signaling a shift in the program’s trajectory.
“We had the most wrestlers sent to regionals in 10 years,” Coach Manginelli said proudly. “We also notched the most wins this decade.”
The team overcame long-standing hurdles, defeating four opponents they hadn’t beaten in over a decade: Ramsey, Hawthorne, Bogota, Ridgefield Park, and Mountain Lakes.
One of the season’s crowning moments was an undefeated home quad tournament, finishing 3-0 and cementing the team’s strong finish to the year.
Turning Points: Defining Moments that Changed the Season
Early setbacks often shape a team’s character. For the Warriors, it was a tough loss against Emerson that ignited a spark of unity and resolve.
“After our first loss against Emerson, we really came together as a team,” said Manginelli. “Beating Bogota was another huge turning point. We lost to them badly just a month prior—65-16—but then came back and won a tight 37-31 match. That showed how far we’d come.”
This shift not only boosted the team’s confidence but also signaled the beginning of a roll that carried through the remainder of the season.
Player Development: Growth Beyond Expectations
One of the most inspiring stories of the season belongs to Joseph Giannetti, who went from a novice with just one win last year to a key contributor with 18 wins this season.
“Joe put a ton of work in over the summer,” Coach Manginelli noted. “He became our go-to guy in the lineup and showed what hard work and dedication can accomplish.”
Similarly, Jake Abramson’s journey from injury to district champion is a testament to mental toughness and perseverance, inspiring the entire team.
The emergence of these athletes symbolizes the growing culture of commitment that Coach Manginelli is cultivating.
Overcoming Challenges: Wrestling with Heart
The Warriors faced their share of obstacles, including injuries and being underestimated by opponents. Manginelli recalls how the team kept their heads down and focused on what they could control.
“We had nothing to lose and everything to gain,” he explained. “Every night, we gave up two forfeits. People were counting us out. We don’t claim to have the most talented team, but we wrestle with heart and passion — like true warriors.”
That relentless effort and passion were the hallmarks of their season and something Coach Manginelli says he would take every day.
Senior Leadership: Stability in Uncertain Times
The senior class faced unusual challenges during their high school careers, including a coaching change every year. Manginelli is this group’s fourth coach in four years, but despite the instability, the seniors delivered.
“They’ve been dealt a rough hand,” Manginelli said. “But they wanted to end with a bang—and they did.”
Seniors like Jesse Gray stepped into varsity roles and contributed meaningfully, helping solidify the team’s foundation and leadership for younger wrestlers.
Senior Dominic Lisanti, who went 15-13 on the year, who took 4th at districts, is returning, and he will be back bigger, stronger, and more technical, and become a leader on the team! Excited to have him come back and finish off his career on a high note as a Warrior!
Looking Forward: Excitement for the Future
Coach Manginelli is optimistic about the future. With a core group of wrestlers returning, many now believing in their potential, the Warriors are poised to build on this season’s success.
“We have kids starting to believe they have what it takes,” Manginelli said. “That belief plays a pivotal role in their growth and performance.”
The returning wrestlers are stronger, more technical, and hungrier, setting the stage for continued improvement year after year.
Offseason Focus: Strength and Precision
To prepare for the challenges ahead, the team is focusing on two main goals in the offseason:
Increasing strength: Physical power is critical in wrestling, and building muscle and conditioning will help the team dominate on the mat.
Repetition of moves: Perfecting technique through constant drilling will ensure moves become second nature under pressure.
“We want to be stronger and more technical next season,” Manginelli said. “That’s how you win matches.”
Final Thoughts: A Program on the Rise
The 2025 season was a breakthrough year for the Waldwick/Midland Park Warriors. From district champions to breaking decade-long losing streaks and showcasing mental toughness, the team has proven it’s ready to compete with the best.
Coach Manginelli’s emphasis on heart, discipline, and belief has sparked a cultural shift that will continue to fuel the program’s growth.
With most wrestlers returning next season, the Warriors are not just building a team—they are building a legacy.
For fans and followers wanting to keep up with the Warriors’ journey, stats and updates are available on NJ High School Sports and the team’s Instagram page: @warriorswrestling_wmp.
The Warriors’ path forward is clear: work hard, believe in themselves, and wrestle like true warriors.
, despite battling an early-season injury, demonstrated tremendous mental toughness and finished strong with a district title and a regional placement.
Giovanni Giardina (32-9) was a dominant force throughout the year, proving himself as a cornerstone for the team’s success.
Ralph Warner (26-12) provided veteran leadership and solid performances week in and week out.
Joseph Giannetti (18-17), only in his second year of wrestling, made an extraordinary leap from winning one match last season to 18 victories this year, thanks to relentless offseason work.
A Season of Breakthroughs
The 2025 season brought numerous firsts for the Warriors, signaling a shift in the program’s trajectory.
“We had the most wrestlers sent to regionals in 10 years,” Coach Manginelli said proudly. “We also notched the most wins this decade.”
The team overcame long-standing hurdles, defeating four opponents they hadn’t beaten in over a decade: Ramsey, Hawthorne, Bogota, Ridgefield Park, and Mountain Lakes.
One of the season’s crowning moments was an undefeated home quad tournament, finishing 3-0 and cementing the team’s strong finish to the year.
Turning Points: Defining Moments that Changed the Season
Early setbacks often shape a team’s character. For the Warriors, it was a tough loss against Emerson that ignited a spark of unity and resolve.
“After our first loss against Emerson, we really came together as a team,” said Manginelli. “Beating Bogota was another huge turning point. We lost to them badly just a month prior—65-16—but then came back and won a tight 37-31 match. That showed how far we’d come.”
This shift not only boosted the team’s confidence but also signaled the beginning of a roll that carried through the remainder of the season.
Player Development: Growth Beyond Expectations
One of the most inspiring stories of the season belongs to Joseph Giannetti, who went from a novice with just one win last year to a key contributor with 18 wins this season.
“Joe put a ton of work in over the summer,” Coach Manginelli noted. “He became our go-to guy in the lineup and showed what hard work and dedication can accomplish.”
Similarly, Jake Abramson’s journey from injury to district champion is a testament to mental toughness and perseverance, inspiring the entire team.
The emergence of these athletes symbolizes the growing culture of commitment that Coach Manginelli is cultivating.
Overcoming Challenges: Wrestling with Heart
The Warriors faced their share of obstacles, including injuries and being underestimated by opponents. Manginelli recalls how the team kept their heads down and focused on what they could control.
“We had nothing to lose and everything to gain,” he explained. “Every night, we gave up two forfeits. People were counting us out. We don’t claim to have the most talented team, but we wrestle with heart and passion — like true warriors.”
That relentless effort and passion were the hallmarks of their season and something Coach Manginelli says he would take every day.
Senior Leadership: Stability in Uncertain Times
The senior class faced unusual challenges during their high school careers, including a coaching change every year. Manginelli is this group’s fourth coach in four years, but despite the instability, the seniors delivered.
“They’ve been dealt a rough hand,” Manginelli said. “But they wanted to end with a bang—and they did.”
Seniors like Jesse Gray stepped into varsity roles and contributed meaningfully, helping solidify the team’s foundation and leadership for younger wrestlers.
Senior Dominic Lisanti, who went 15-13 on the year, who took 4th at districts, is returning, and he will be back bigger, stronger, and more technical, and become a leader on the team! Excited to have him come back and finish off his career on a high note as a Warrior!
Looking Forward: Excitement for the Future
Coach Manginelli is optimistic about the future. With a core group of wrestlers returning, many now believing in their potential, the Warriors are poised to build on this season’s success.
“We have kids starting to believe they have what it takes,” Manginelli said. “That belief plays a pivotal role in their growth and performance.”
The returning wrestlers are stronger, more technical, and hungrier, setting the stage for continued improvement year after year.
Offseason Focus: Strength and Precision
To prepare for the challenges ahead, the team is focusing on two main goals in the offseason:
Increasing strength: Physical power is critical in wrestling, and building muscle and conditioning will help the team dominate on the mat.
Repetition of moves: Perfecting technique through constant drilling will ensure moves become second nature under pressure.
“We want to be stronger and more technical next season,” Manginelli said. “That’s how you win matches.”
Final Thoughts: A Program on the Rise
The 2025 season was a breakthrough year for the Waldwick/Midland Park Warriors. From district champions to breaking decade-long losing streaks and showcasing mental toughness, the team has proven it’s ready to compete with the best.
Coach Manginelli’s emphasis on heart, discipline, and belief has sparked a cultural shift that will continue to fuel the program’s growth.
With most wrestlers returning next season, the Warriors are not just building a team—they are building a legacy.
For fans and followers wanting to keep up with the Warriors’ journey, stats and updates are available on NJ High School Sports and the team’s Instagram page: @warriorswrestling_wmp.
The Warriors’ path forward is clear: work hard, believe in themselves, and wrestle like true warriors.)
Share With