NJ Boys Wrestling: 2026 Region 5 Tournament Final

Top wrestlers crowned at Franklin High School

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The 2026 Region 5 Tournament final took place on March 7 afternoon at the Franklin High School gymnasium in Somerset, New Jersey. Several wrestlers emerged victorious in their respective weight classes, including Shawn Retta of Keansburg, Nicholas Duarte of Hillsborough, Thomas Blewett of Middletown, Matthew Gould of Saint John, Jeremy Negron of Edison, Jackson Fearon of Middletown, Wyatt Fry of Rumson, and Tyler Whitford of St. Joseph.

Why it matters

The Region 5 Tournament is a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the top high school wrestling talent in central New Jersey. These victories mark important milestones for the young athletes, who have worked hard to reach this level of competition. The tournament also generates excitement and pride within the local communities.

The details

In the 215 lb. final, Keansburg's Shawn Retta defeated Old Bridge's Zachary Florio. In the 285 lb. final, Hillsborough's Nicholas Duarte beat Matawan's Mohammad Targali. Middletown's Thomas Blewett won the 106 lb. final over Old Bridge's David Peoples, and Saint John's Matthew Gould took the 126 lb. title over St. Joseph's Nico DeRado. Edison's Jeremy Negron defeated Hopewell's Dylan Hersh in the 132 lb. final, while Middletown's Jackson Fearon beat Delaware Valley's Michael Hasson in the 144 lb. final. Rumson's Wyatt Fry topped Hillsborough's Owen Miller in the 157 lb. final, and St. Joseph's Tyler Whitford beat Middletown's Daniel Benbrook in the 175 lb. final.

  • The 2026 Region 5 Tournament final took place on March 7, 2026 afternoon.

The players

Shawn Retta

A wrestler from Keansburg High School who won the 215 lb. weight class.

Nicholas Duarte

A wrestler from Hillsborough High School who won the 285 lb. weight class.

Thomas Blewett

A wrestler from Middletown High School who won the 106 lb. weight class.

Matthew Gould

A wrestler from Saint John High School who won the 126 lb. weight class.

Jeremy Negron

A wrestler from Edison High School who won the 132 lb. weight class.

Jackson Fearon

A wrestler from Middletown High School who won the 144 lb. weight class.

Wyatt Fry

A wrestler from Rumson High School who won the 157 lb. weight class.

Tyler Whitford

A wrestler from St. Joseph High School who won the 175 lb. weight class.

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The takeaway

The 2026 Region 5 Tournament showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of high school wrestlers across central New Jersey. These victories will undoubtedly inspire the young athletes to continue pursuing their wrestling dreams and represent their communities with pride.