Troutman's State Run Highlights Pioneer Wrestling Season

Searching for a highlight in a season filled with injuries and inexperience, the New Providence wrestling team definitely had a rather sizable bright spot this season.

Imposing heavyweight Zach Troutman, a sixth-place winner in the state tournament last season, made his run for the school’s second title since Donnie DeFilippis’ captured the 140-pound crown in 1999 as the focal point of the year.

Although Troutman came up short with a at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, his road appears to have paved the way for the future of others at New Providence.

“He was a great role model for our team,” said New Providence coach Gary Bremer of the 38-3 Troutman. “He got a lot of the kids excited and had them start working for next year. Our goal is always to at least get someone to Atlantic City.”

Troutman’s final weekend was grueling as the senior had to endure four overtime matches. But the University of Albany-bound wrestler has been accustomed to the pressure, with all eyes on Troutman throughout the year. The senior, who finished his career at 105-39, responded with District 12 and as well as becoming the seventh wrestler to reach the 100-win mark at New Providence.

“Last year I didn’t feel much pressure,” said Troutman, who was trying to join the likes of two other Union County heavyweights – NFL players Antonio Garay of Rahway and Tony Siragusa of Brearley in Kenilworth with a state individual title. “This year the team had pretty much myself and Timmy (Terrezza). I took it upon myself to win as many things as I could and gain recognition for New Providence.”

Terrezza and Troutman went the deepest of all New Providence wrestlers in the state tournament. Terrezza (27-9) lasted until the quarterfinals of Region 3. Dan Smith, a sophomore 130 pounder, placed fourth at District 12 and ended the season at 12-17.

As a unit, the Pioneers battled through a rebuilding season posting a 5-11 mark. New Providence fell into an eighth-place tie with Plainfield in the Union County Tournament with heavyweight champion Troutman defeating Linden’s Austin Frank, 2-1, as the lone Pioneer in the finals. The Pioneers, who also finished fourth at the Haddon Township Holiday Tournament, did have a dramatic 42-36 victory over A.L. Johnson as 140-pounder sophomore Jacob Jankow (10-19) earned a pin to seal the win.

The roster loses only four starters in Troutman, Terrezza, Harry Laplanche (1-1 record at 152 pounds) and Max Sidoli (17-7 record at 189 pounds). Like many of the other Pioneer wrestlers, Laplanche and classmate 160-pounder Steven Sharpe (4-2) had their seasons limited due to injuries. 

At one point during the season, New Providence had 11 starting wrestlers sidelined, including four concussions. For a lineup that didn’t boast much depth, the losses limited the Pioneers much of the season.

“I have never seen that before,” Bremer said. “I just can’t explain it. Sometimes odd things happen. It’s hard to deal with but sometimes these things happen in life.”

Fortunately, better days as a team seem to lie ahead. The team returns the majority of its lineup. With a vibrant feeder program in place, Troutman and the other seniors have helped lay the foundation through their own examples and work ethic.

“Zach made me work hard all year,” said 215-pound freshman Stephen Bremer (11-10), who worked out with Troutman this year and could bump up to heavyweight next season. “At some points, I felt like breaking down, but he kept me working. It’s going to be difficult trying to fill his shoes.”