2026 NJSIAA Individual Wrestling Championships Set to Ignite Atlantic City

Watchung Hills and North Plainfield Wrestlers Ready for Showdown

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:49am

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The 2026 NJSIAA Individual Wrestling Championships are set to take place over three days at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, featuring a strong representation from both Watchung Hills and North Plainfield schools. The boys' championship will feature 32 wrestlers in each of the 14 weight classes, while the girls' competition consists of 16 athletes across 12 weight classes, showcasing the growth of girls' wrestling in the state.

Why it matters

The NJSIAA Individual Wrestling Championships are a prestigious event that showcases the top wrestling talent in New Jersey. The participation of Watchung Hills and North Plainfield wrestlers highlights the strength of their programs and the growing popularity of the sport, especially among female athletes.

The details

The tournament schedule includes pre-quarterfinals, quarterfinals, and wrestle-backs on Thursday, followed by semifinals, consolation semifinals, and finals on Friday and Saturday. Several Watchung Hills and North Plainfield wrestlers have already qualified for the championships, including Anthony DiAndrea, Jacob Richardson, Artun Kirgezmis, and Gabby Giacone, who all placed in the top four of their weight classes at the regional tournaments.

  • The 2026 NJSIAA Individual Wrestling Championships will take place from Thursday, March 12 to Saturday, March 14.
  • The girls' pre-quarterfinals, quarterfinals, and wrestle-backs 1 will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12.
  • The boys' preliminaries, pre-quarterfinals, and wrestle-backs 1 will begin around 11:25 a.m. on Thursday, March 12.
  • The girls' semifinals and wrestle-backs 3 will take place around 3:45 p.m. on Friday, March 13.
  • The boys' finals are scheduled for approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14.

The players

Anthony DiAndrea

A wrestler from Watchung Hills who captured 1st place in the 132-pound weight class at the Region 4 tournament, securing his spot in the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships.

Jacob Richardson

A wrestler from Watchung Hills who grabbed 3rd place at 120 pounds in the Region 4 tournament, earning a spot in the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships.

Artun Kirgezmis

A wrestler from Watchung Hills who showcased his talent with a 3rd place finish in the 190-pound class at the Region 4 tournament, qualifying for the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships.

Gabby Giacone

A wrestler from Watchung Hills who placed first at 100 pounds, adding to the excitement surrounding the school's participation in the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships.

Amaree Walker

A wrestler from North Plainfield High School who finished in 2nd place at the Girls Region 2 Tournament, securing a spot at the upcoming Girls NJSIAA State Championship in Atlantic City, making her the second-ever Girls Wrestling State Qualifier from NPHS.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The 2026 NJSIAA Individual Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City will showcase the top wrestling talent in New Jersey, with strong representation from Watchung Hills and North Plainfield schools. The event highlights the growth and popularity of the sport, especially among female athletes, and promises an exciting showdown on the mat.