South Plainfield Wrestlers Advance to State Championships

Stanzione and Fusaro qualify for NJSIAA Individual High School Wrestling Championships

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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South Plainfield High School wrestlers Joseph Stanzione and Ava Fusaro have earned spots in the 2026 NJSIAA Individual High School Wrestling Championships. Stanzione, a senior competing at 144 pounds, qualified after placing third at the Boys Regional Tournament. Fusaro, a sophomore wrestling at 132 pounds, secured her place with a second-place finish at the Girls Regional Tournament.

Why it matters

Qualifying for the state wrestling championships is a major accomplishment for high school athletes, showcasing their skill, dedication, and potential. South Plainfield High School has a strong wrestling program, and Stanzione and Fusaro's achievements continue the school's tradition of excellence in the sport.

The details

Stanzione posted an impressive 38-5 record this season, pushing his career total beyond 100 varsity wins, with 26 of those victories coming by pin. Fusaro finished the season with a 27-7 record, including eight victories by technical fall, and currently holds a 37-13 career record across 50 matches. The NJSIAA state championships will feature 32 wrestlers in each of the 14 boys weight classes and 16 wrestlers in each of the 12 girls weight classes.

  • The NJSIAA Individual High School Wrestling Championships will take place March 12–14, 2026 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
  • The Boys Regional Tournament was held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Union High School.
  • The Girls Regional Tournament was held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Union High School.

The players

Joseph Stanzione

A senior wrestler at South Plainfield High School, competing at 144 pounds. He qualified for the state championships after placing third at the Boys Regional Tournament.

Ava Fusaro

A sophomore wrestler at South Plainfield High School, competing at 132 pounds. She qualified for the state championships after placing second at the Girls Regional Tournament.

Steve Johnston

The head coach of the South Plainfield High School wrestling team.

John Nye

A coach on the South Plainfield High School wrestling team.

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What they’re saying

“Stanzione is peaking at the right time after reaching the 100 varsity wins milestone this season. We will be fine-tuning things in practice this week before heading down, but Joe is a competitor who has everything he needs in his toolbox. This has been his goal all season, and he should be proud of the work he has put in. I am excited to see what he can do in Atlantic City.”

— Steve Johnston, Head Coach, South Plainfield High School (tapinto.net)

“Ava qualified for states through pure grit and determination. She is a tremendous athlete, but her discipline and work ethic really set her apart. She runs sprints after every match, win or lose. The coaching staff is incredibly proud of her. She is already a tough opponent, and as she gains more experience she will only become more dangerous. We expect her to make some noise at states.”

— John Nye, Coach, South Plainfield High School (tapinto.net)

What’s next

The NJSIAA state championships will begin with preliminary rounds on Thursday, March 12, 2026 and conclude with the championship finals on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The takeaway

South Plainfield High School's wrestling program continues to produce talented athletes who excel at the highest levels of competition. Stanzione and Fusaro's achievements demonstrate the dedication and hard work required to reach the state championships, and their success is a source of pride for the school and local community.