Nick Abbott Wins County Championship

Nick Abbott became the Union County wrestling champion in the 126 lbs. weight class on Sunday. A.J. Iarussi nabbed a second place finish at 195lbs.

As the Summit High School wrestling program attempts to return to its glory days of the 80s and 90s, the two juniors are clearly guys to look up to.

"I'm really excited," said Abbott moments after accepting his gold medal for first place. He said he hopes his win inspires other kids to try wrestling. "I think it's coming up," he said about Summit Public School's program in the elementary and middle schools.

Abbott won a hard fought county final match against Isaac Valentin of Rahway High School. A takedown in the third period sealed his 3-0 win.

"I know what I need to do when I go out there," Abbott said. He's a tri-sport Summit athlete who also plays soccer and baseball. 

“It feels really good,” he said about winning his weight class. “I set out this year to take the county tournament.”

“Those two guys improved a lot since last year," head wrestling coach Eric Wachtel said about his champion and top place finisher, Iarussi and Abbott.

“A.J. came back to take second,” he said about his 195 lber who wasn't able to break into the top three last year. Iarussi lost a very close 1-0 match against Anthony Tancs of Brearley/Dayton High School wrestling. Brearley was the tournament's championship team, its seventh win in a row. 

In addition to the wrestler awards, Summit dad Jim Abbott received the county's T. Pug Williams Award for his contributions to school wrestling. Summit Patch has ."

Of course, Jim Abbott's pride beemed when his son was crowned county champ. “I’m sure I was more nervous that he was,” he said. "I'm glad it's over. Wrestling’s intense."

The team next takes on Torah Academy on Wednesday, Jan 25 at 6:30pm.