By Bob Badders - Senior Staff Writer
TOMS RIVER -- Ocean senior Nick Menditto isn't going to "Wow" you every time he steps onto the mat, that's just his style. But don't let that fool you, this kid can flat out wrestle.
A returning state-champion, Menditto won his first region title on Saturday when he defeated Southern's Brian Broderick in the 152-pound final of the NJSIAA Region VI Tournament at the Ritacco Center. Menditto went up 2-0 with a takedown in the first period and record takedowns in each of the next two periods to defeat Broderick, 7-2.
"Last year I had (Southern's Luke) Lanno in the final and I didn't win," Menditto said. "So it just feels really good to win one."
The 152-pound weight class featured tough wrestlers like Broderick, Brick Memorial's Chris Giannios, Toms River East's Justin Molzon and Long Branch's Nick Visicaro. But heading into the tournament, Menditto was the clear favorite.
"I don't take anybody lightly because this reason is one of the toughest," Menditto said. "I just try to go out there and wrestle my match."
Menditto is already Ocean's first and only state champion, and he knows he will have to continue to wrestle at a high level in order to repeat.
"I just have to wrestle smart and do what I usually do," Menditto said.
Click here for more highlights of Nick Menditto
Click here for more highlights of Brian Broderick