March 5, 2012

Alexander Richardson became the second St. Peter's Prep wrestler to win a state title. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

St. Peter's Prep wrestler Alexander Richardson has racked up plenty of awards and recognition over his career on the mat. The Marauder senior can now add one more title to an already impressive resume - State Champion.

Richardson, became the second Prep wrestler to win a state title when he pinned Toms River South's Ken Theobold in just 56 seconds to become the champion at 145 pounds yesterday in Atlantic City.

Richardson, who finished the season with a 35-3 record took a quick lead with a takedown, then completed the victory with a cradle for the pin.

It marked the fourth-straight win Richardson this weekend in Atlantic City. In the first round he earned a 6-0 decision over Roxbury's Tim Garripoli. In the quarterfinals Richardson knocked off South Plainfield's Corey Stasenko 7-2. In the semifinals he defeated Nick Gravina of Northern Highlands 9-6.

Richardson, who last year placed fifth at 135 pounds, finishes his career with a 133-15 record. The Old Dominion-bound grappler was a four-time Regional 4 champion. He joins James Fox (189 pounds in 2011) as the only state champs in St. Peter's Prep history.

While Richardson returned to Jersey City with gold, another Hudson County wrestler, North Bergen's Eric McMullen fell agonizingly short.

McMullen was defeated 5-3 in overtime by Don Bosco's Razohnn Gross in the finals at 195 pounds. For Gross it was revenge for McMullen's win in the finals of the Bergen County Coaches Association Championships back in December.

Trailing 3-1 late in the third period, McMullen (31-2) forced overtime with a pair of clasped-hand calls in the final 30 seconds.

McMullen had earned a miraculous come-from-behind overtime win in the semifinals against Hayden Hrymack of Christian Brothers Academy the day before. But the North Bergen senior, would not be able to repeat the feat as Gross completed a single-leg take down to win the match and deny McMullen of the gold.

McMullen was one of three North Bergen wrestlers to medal in the State Championships. Sophomore Luis Gonzalez finished fourth at 113 pounds and classmate Anthony Giraldo took home fifth at 120.

St. Peter's Prep seniors Anthony Pafumi and Francisco Colom also medaled this weekend. Pafumi captured third place at 170 pounds, while Colom finished eighth at 152 pounds.