Freshman Davey Rhinehart worked hard both on and off the mat to show out for his first year of Warren Hills Varsity Wrestling. Along with  the team as a whole, Rhinehart had a personally victorious season. 

Wrestling in the 113 pound bracket, then later moving into 132, Rhinehart had 20 wins and six losses. He dominated the mat and never failed to put on a good match. Rhinehart made it to regions, which took place in Atlantic City. For his first year, Rhinehart was a huge threat to Warren Hills’ opponents. 

”My biggest accomplishment of the regular season was pinning my opponent from Raritan. It sealed the match, and guaranteed us the win” he said. “Beating Cranford was also an amazing feeling. That was the first time we’ve been back to back  section champions  in 20 years.”   

In early February, Rhinehart was honored as New Jersey Wrestler of the Week by Lehigh Valley Live, which reported that he “Posted a huge 12-1 major decision over Cranford’s Ryder Connors at 113 pounds in the Blue Streaks’ 41-21 win over Cranford in the North 2 Group 3 sectional final. [And] went 3-0 on the week.”

Rhinehart’s teammates concurred with the accolades.

“Wrestling with Davey is like wrestling with a roadrunner,” said senior captain Shawn Redfield. “He’s quick and agile.” 

Senior Jarettt Pantuso agreed, saying, “He’s a reliable teammate that is really dedicated to the game.” 

Rhinehart has been wrestling from a young age and said that  his dad, a Warren Hills alum, is his biggest inspiration, while adding that his mom, also a Warren Hills alum, attends all his matches to cheer him along from the bleachers. 

 Rhinehart does not, however, take success for granted. 

“Like a lot of other athletes, I sometimes struggle with balancing sports and school,” he said. “The biggest piece of advice I can give is to make sure you give as much effort into your school work as you do your sport.” 

While Rhinehart currently does not plan to continue wrestling in college, he has plenty of time to think about it.

“I am really looking forward to the next three years and Warren Hills Wrestling,” he said. “Being on the mat and getting to see my friends succeed is an incomparable feeling.” 

Rhinehart’s favorite memory of the season is when the team bleached their hair before the finals.

“We had a lot of fun with it,” he said, “but I really think it brought us together.” 

When asked his favorite part of Warren Hills Wrestling Rhinehart was quick to mention how his teammates feel like family. 

“They’re like my brothers,”  he said.