A Rising Star in the Ring

Dave Bucco, the head wrestling coach at Pascack Hills, has always understood the importance of building a strong program from within. As a small-school coach, he often turns to students within his own school to fill out his team. His efforts have paid off, as Pascack Hills has consistently been one of the most competitive Group 2 teams in North Jersey. However, even Bucco couldn’t have predicted the impact that Matt Velez would make on the program.

Velez, a senior who competes at 132 pounds, started his wrestling journey as a scrappy freshman with just six wins under his belt. Over the years, he has transformed into one of the team’s top performers. He is now just two wins away from securing his first county title after an impressive performance on the first day of the Bergen County Tournament at Garfield Middle School.

“I don’t even know what to say,” Bucco said. “He started wrestling in ninth grade and quickly found his place in the sport. It’s great to see.”

Strong Performances in the Tournament

Velez showed his determination by defeating Adan Cedeno, a state qualifier and senior standout from Pascack Valley, with an 8-0 major decision in the quarterfinals. He followed that up with a 9-2 decision over Joe Eboli, a junior from Westwood and a county medalist. Cedeno, the No. 1 seed at 132, entered the tournament as a strong contender, while Velez came in as the No. 9 seed. Eboli was seeded eighth.

“That was a big match for him,” Bucco noted about Velez’s win over Cedeno. “We went up against the top seed and dominated him. Eboli is a tough guy too, and we almost dominated him as well. Matt is a good athlete with great hips. In these matches, he has wrestled through every position, and it has paid off.”

Velez described his victory over Cedeno as a hard-fought battle. “He took many shots, but he couldn’t finish them,” Velez said. “I got a takedown, and in the third period, he rolled into that tilt, which gave me four back points. I take whatever’s there. I just went out there and wrestled my hardest. I knew I had put in the work.”

Dominant Wins and Big Challenges Ahead

In the Round of 32, Velez secured a decisive 17-2 technical fall over Johnny Treboski of Ramapo. His strong performances have earned him a spot in the semifinals, where he will face some of the top wrestlers in the area. Among his opponents are Lucas Reeves, a freshman phenom from Bergen Catholic; Andrew Bonita, a standout junior from Don Bosco Prep; and River Hibler, a sophomore star from Paramus Catholic.

“Last year, I was unseeded and fought my way to seventh place at 132,” Velez said. “I’m comfortable here. I just let it flow.”

Reeves, known for his unique style and determination, has already made a name for himself in the wrestling community. His performance against Paramus Catholic earlier in the week showcased his potential. Now, Velez has the chance to prove himself against one of the top wrestlers in the region.

A Bright Future Ahead

Bucco sees a lot of potential in Velez. “He’s still a kid with a high ceiling,” he said. “He keeps getting better every week, and he’s not burnt out. We think he can wrestle in college. If he continues to perform at a high level in a Division-III college and puts in the time, he can be an All-American.”

As Velez prepares for the next round, he carries the weight of expectations and the support of his team. With each match, he continues to build his legacy and solidify his place among the elite wrestlers in the area. The path ahead is challenging, but for Velez, it’s another opportunity to showcase his skills and determination.