Christian Brothers Academy’s Wrestling Program: A Rising Force in New Jersey

Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) has emerged as one of the most formidable wrestling programs in New Jersey over the past six years. Under the leadership of head coach Billy Ashnault, a former standout at South Plainfield and Rutgers, the Colts have transformed from a sub-.500 team into a top-five program in the state in just four seasons. This remarkable turnaround has been marked by numerous achievements, including an NJSIAA sectional title, a Shore Conference championship, four straight district team titles, and five consecutive division championships.

The program’s success is reflected in its impressive list of state medalists. With 50 state medalists in program history, 24 of them have come since Ashnault took over in 2019. Paul Kenny made history as CBA’s third state champion and the first since Sebastian Rivera in 2016 when he claimed the 120-pound state championship last season.

A Program on the Rise

Despite their accomplishments, the Colts are not content with their current standing. They aim to compete with and defeat some of the top teams in North Jersey, such as Delbarton, St. Joseph (Montvale), St. Peter’s Prep, and Bergen Catholic. The Catholic School Duals, which CBA hosted for the third consecutive year, serve as a crucial test for the team.

In the tournament, CBA showcased its strength by winning Pool A with convincing victories over Seton Hall Prep and Immaculata. The Colts then secured a significant win by defeating No. 2 St. Joe’s 38-28 in the Gold Bracket semifinals. However, they faced a tough challenge in the championship match against Delbarton, a top-ranked team that ultimately won 41-26 despite missing three starters.

Lessons Learned from the Tournament

Although CBA fell short in the final, the match provided valuable insights into what needs to be improved. Ashnault acknowledged that while the team wanted to face Delbarton, they had to keep battling. “Some of our guys let some matches slip away,” he said. Despite Delbarton being slightly injured, they earned their victory through strong performances.

A pin by senior state medalist Bobby Duffy, an Iowa commit, at 144 pounds narrowed Delbarton’s lead to 17-15 midway through the dual. However, three consecutive wins by Nick Schwartz, Trevor Jones, and Jayden James extended CBA’s lead to 29-15, effectively sealing the outcome.

Looking Ahead

Ashnault emphasized that while the team wants to compete with Delbarton, they need to make adjustments to be competitive. “We have some horses, too. They just have a few more. But if some things go our way, maybe we’re in it,” he said. Kenny echoed this sentiment, stating that the team fought hard and no one gave up.

While moral victories are not the goal, tangible progress is. Last year, CBA beat St. Joe’s on criteria in a pool match but struggled against St. Peter’s Prep in the semifinals and lost to St. John Vianney in the third-place match. This year, the team topped St. Joe’s again and showed resilience against a top-10 team.

A Strong and Deep Lineup

The Colts have several state medalists in their lineup, including four additional state qualifiers. Standout freshmen Santino Edgar and Shiloh Joyce at 106 and 113 pounds, respectively, add to the team’s depth. Brock Oizerowitz, a two-time state medalist, returned to the lineup after an injury delayed his season debut.

However, there are challenges. Sean Kenny, a sophomore Iowa commit and last season’s 106-pound third-place medalist, remains out due to a shoulder injury that could end his season if he chooses surgery. Junior Sonny DiMatteo, who finished fourth in the state last season while wrestling at Brick Memorial, has helped the team absorb this loss.

Trust and Teamwork

Despite these challenges, the Colts’ lineup remains deep and talented. Ashnault believes that the team will take care of itself when individuals are ready. “It’s all part of the process,” Kenny said. “We really just have to rely on each other and trust each other to do our jobs.”

A Journey Continues

For CBA, the journey is far from over. The team continues to build on its successes while striving for greater achievements. With a strong foundation and a commitment to improvement, the Colts are well-positioned to continue their rise in New Jersey wrestling.