7 Shore Conference boys wrestlers advance to state finals

St. John Vianney's Bubba Gavrish among the group overcoming injuries to reach championship bouts

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:20am

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Seven wrestlers from the Shore Conference in New Jersey have advanced to the state finals at the NJSIAA Boys Individual Championships in Atlantic City. This includes St. John Vianney junior Bubba Gavrish, who has dealt with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow three times in his career, including this season. Despite the injuries, Gavrish defeated several highly-seeded opponents to reach the 165-pound final against returning state champion Jayden James of Delbarton. Other Shore Conference finalists include returning state champion Paul Kenny of CBA, Rumson-Fair Haven's Sonny Amato, and Lacey's Killian Coluccio.

Why it matters

The success of these Shore Conference wrestlers at the state tournament showcases the strength of the region's high school wrestling programs. Several of the finalists are seeking to become their school's first-ever state champion, which would be a historic achievement. The tournament also highlights the perseverance of athletes like Bubba Gavrish, who have overcome significant injuries to reach the pinnacle of their sport.

The details

Gavrish, the St. John Vianney 165-pounder, has dealt with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow three times in his career, including this season. Despite the injury, he defeated the No. 3 and No. 2 seeds to reach the final. Other Shore Conference finalists include returning state champions Paul Kenny of CBA at 126 pounds and Sonny Amato of Rumson-Fair Haven at 150 pounds. Lacey's Killian Coluccio, a three-time state placer, is also seeking his first state title at 113 pounds.

  • Gavrish sustained his latest UCL injury in the Beast of the East tournament in late December and missed over a month of the season.
  • The NJSIAA Boys Individual Championships are taking place this weekend at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

The players

Bubba Gavrish

A junior 165-pounder at St. John Vianney High School who has overcome multiple elbow injuries to reach the state final.

Jayden James

The returning state champion at 150 pounds and a Penn State recruit, who Gavrish will face in the final.

Paul Kenny

The returning state champion at 126 pounds from Christian Brothers Academy, who is seeking to become the school's first two-time state champion.

Sonny Amato

The 2024 state champion at 144 pounds from Rumson-Fair Haven, who is seeking to become the school's first two-time state champion.

Killian Coluccio

A three-time state placer from Lacey High School, who is seeking to become the school's first state champion since 1997.

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What they’re saying

“It's just made me a tougher person,”

— Bubba Gavrish, St. John Vianney junior

“Even if you get him to a hip, he has very strong legs where he can elevate a kid's weight right off him. He never counts himself out. He wrestles from everywhere.”

— Chris Notte, St. John Vianney head coach

“This is my time. This has been my goal for years. I've been dreaming about this since I was a little kid.”

— Killian Coluccio

“I told myself before I got here, I wouldn't let it happen again. (Saturday), I'm coming to get what's mine back.”

— Sonny Amato, Rumson-Fair Haven wrestler

“I had a lot of nerves here the last few years. Now, I'm not nervous. I expect to win. I didn't come here to win the semi's. I came here to win (Saturday).”

— Bobby Duffy, CBA wrestler

What’s next

The NJSIAA Boys Individual Championships state finals will take place on Saturday, with the boys finals scheduled to begin around 3:30 p.m. following the girls finals at 1 p.m.

The takeaway

The success of these Shore Conference wrestlers at the state tournament demonstrates the strength and depth of high school wrestling programs in the region. Several athletes have overcome significant adversity, including injuries, to reach the pinnacle of their sport, showcasing the determination and resilience of these young athletes.