Holmdel Hornets Ready to Build on Breakthrough Season in 2025

The Holmdel Hornets continued their upward trajectory in 2024, securing their first 20-win dual season since 2019 and solidifying their place as one of the Shore Conference’s rising programs. With 10 returning starters, including six District medalists, the Hornets have the pieces in place to make an even bigger statement in 2025.

Leading the charge is junior Alex Reyes, a standout talent who has already cemented himself as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in program history. Reyes has amassed 78 wins in just two seasons and is coming off a dominant 41-win campaign that saw him win his first Region title, his second District title, and become just the second State medalist in Holmdel history. He also made history as the program’s first-ever Shore Conference Tournament Champion, giving the Hornets a true anchor in the upper weights.

Holmdel boasts a deep and experienced lineup from 150 pounds and up, with Reyes joined by a strong supporting cast. Senior Jack Cleary returns at 157 pounds after a 25-win season that included a third-place finish at Districts. Asher Martinez and Hamsa Elmesei add further veteran presence, with Elmesei also claiming third at Districts last year. Heavyweight John Gann made an immediate impact as a freshman, recording 19 wins at one of the toughest weight classes in the sport. With another offseason under his belt, Gann has the potential to become a major factor up top. Sophomore Michael Todisco is another key piece, coming off an impressive 26-win freshman season that saw him finish second at Districts. Together, this group gives the Hornets a formidable upper half of the lineup that can compete with just about anyone.

The lower weights are just as promising, with several young standouts returning after strong rookie campaigns. Dylan Placca and Nicholas Paulino both made immediate impacts as freshmen. Paulino won 25 matches and was a District runner-up, while Placca put together a stellar 31-win season that saw him place third at Districts and go on to finish sixth at Regions.

Senior Rowen Blackmore adds veteran leadership in the lightweight division, having been a District medalist as a freshman and finishing fourth in each of the past two seasons. Another senior, Luke Podesta, is back in the fold after missing last season. Podesta won 11 matches as a sophomore and will look to make his presence felt once again. The lower weights also get a boost from freshman Christian Reyes, a promising newcomer who placed seventh at the Intermediate School State Tournament last year.

With a balanced lineup featuring experienced leaders and rising stars, Holmdel has all the tools needed to continue its winning ways. The key factor for the Hornets will be maintaining their health and consistency throughout the season. If they can do that, their depth from top to bottom makes them a dangerous team capable of racking up plenty of dual wins.

As they enter the new season, the Hornets will be looking to take another step forward, not just as contenders in their division but as a team that can make noise in the Shore Conference and beyond. With their mix of proven talent and up-and-coming prospects, Holmdel is a program on the rise— and 2025 could be their biggest season yet.