The finals of the Essex County Wrestling Tournament were held at Codey Arena on Saturday, and they held a big win for Verona High School senior Joe Cordasco.
Cordasco, wrestling at 170, took on Nick Sibilia of James Caldwell High School in the semi-finals, and pinned him in 3:17. Then it was on to a face-off with Kyle Christiansen of  Bloomfield High School. Christiansen has nine wins to his credit and four losses this season, but Cordasco was 20-0 going into the finals.
The two were scoreless through the first period, and were on track for a scoreless second period when Cordasco turned the match in his favor. He came away with a 1-0 decision.
Paul Scully also made it to the finals, after defeating Chris Palmieri of Bloomfield, 2-1. Scully who had eight wins and just one loss on his record before the tournament, then took the floor against Robert Trombetta of Nutley, a three-time champion at the tournament. Â Scully more than held his own, before finally succumbing to a pin at the 4:53 mark.
Left without the heft of Frankie Greco, who is recovering from a hand injury, Verona finished 13th out of 23 teams. Nutley dominated the meet with 207 points.
Quarterfinals photo copyright Donna Giuliano. Trophy photo copyright Joe Cordasco. Both used by permission.
