Jackson Liberty Aims to Build on Historic Season with Talented, Battle-Tested Roster

Coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Jackson Liberty Lions enter the new season with high expectations and a roster filled with returning talent. The 2024 campaign saw the Lions secure their fourth divisional title— their first since 2016— in dramatic fashion, edging out Point Boro on criteria. Just a week later, history was made again when a walk-off pin by William Huchko sealed the program’s first-ever win over crosstown rival Jackson Memorial. Adding to their milestones, the Lions recorded their best-ever finish at the Shore Conference Tournament, placing sixth as a team, and sent four wrestlers to the State Tournament in Atlantic City for the second consecutive year.

With so much momentum from last season, Liberty is poised to remain a force on the mat despite the departure of standout 113-pounder Anthony Urso, the 2024 Region 6 champion. The strength of this year’s squad lies in its depth at the lower weights, where nearly every starter from last season returns, reinforced by a highly touted freshman class. Among the key returners are juniors Tucker Pazinko and Armani McCann, both of whom captured District titles and earned trips to the State Tournament. For Pazinko, it marked his second trip to Atlantic City in as many years, and with 114 combined wins between him and McCann in their first two seasons, they form a dynamic duo at the heart of Liberty’s lightweight lineup. They’re joined by fellow junior standouts Chris Tranucci (12-5 in 2024) and William Huchko (19-9), who played a pivotal role in last year’s biggest wins. Huchko’s match-winning moments against both Point Boro and Jackson Memorial solidified his reputation as a clutch performer, and he’ll be looking to take another step forward this season.

Beyond the returning stars, Liberty’s lower weights get an extra boost from a group of freshmen brimming with potential. The new class includes Intermediate State Champion Landen Chapman, Tri-County Champion Anthony Salais, and Intermediate State runner-up Finley Panzinko. The influx of young talent, combined with the experience of the upperclassmen, gives second-year head coach Gianni Ghione plenty of options as he fine-tunes the lineup.

The upper weights, while slightly less experienced following the graduation of three key starters at 190-Hwt, still feature battle-tested returners ready to step up. Senior Jordan Ayyash leads the charge, coming off a strong postseason run that saw him finish third at Regions and punch his ticket to the State Tournament in Atlantic City. Fellow seniors Erdne Garyaev and Elijah Virgil, along with junior Mason Ciccariello, all gained valuable varsity experience last season and will be counted on to take the next step as Liberty looks to solidify its presence in the upper weight classes.

While the Lions won’t be able to defend their B-South title under the new divisional alignment, they’ll have a prime opportunity to make history again by competing for the inaugural C-Division championship. A highly competitive field that includes Lacey, Wall, Holmdel, and Colts Neck ensures that every dual will be a battle, but Liberty has all the pieces to contend for the crown. Additionally, with multiple returning state qualifiers and a hungry group of underclassmen, the Lions are setting their sights on cracking the Shore Conference Top 10 by season’s end.

With a strong mix of established talent and rising young stars, Jackson Liberty is prepared to continue its upward trajectory. If the Lions can capitalize on their depth, maintain their momentum from last season, and develop their upper weights, they’ll be a dangerous squad in 2025— and one that no opponent will take lightly.