In a packed gym filled with an air of intensity, three senior wrestlers took to the mats for the last home match of their wrestling careers, but fell just short of victory in a 38 – 27 loss to Allentown on February 15.

The trio – Ant Lebbad, Nick Kilstein, and Roger Tower – all recorded points for Hopewell, with Ant pinning his opponent in 43 seconds. Nick took victory with a minor decision and Roger received a standing ovation from members of the Dawg Pound after recording a 21-4 major decision.

Because it was the last home wrestling match of the season, the seniors were recognized before the event with “Senior Night” festivities. After the team came out and warmed up, the three seniors and Varsity scorekeeper Sam Tower presented flowers to their parents and received applause from the fans. Coach Harpel briefly spoke about each wrestler, calling each of them leaders and wishing them the best of luck in the future.



“I’ve grown so much in this gym; this was a good way to top it off,” Roger said. Roger was a crowd favorite for the night, however his light-hearted attitude and the humorous personality he usually displays did not carry over to the mat. He showed no mercy towards his opponent in racking up 21 points.

“I felt strong,” said Roger after the match.

Following the match, Nick said, “I felt pretty good. I was able to avenge a loss [from this year’s county tournament] and wrestled one of the better matches of my career.”

“I’ve grown real close to the seniors,” said Coach Harpel. “They were the foundation of our season. It’s always sad and happy at the same time.”

“I’m going to miss it,” said Mrs. Kilstein. “Wrestling has been the most important thing to Nick. It’s turned his academic world around and gotten him through tough times. Nick found his niche with wrestling.”

Nick and Ant expect to pursue wrestling in college.

Ant added, “It feels sad [to have wrestled my last home match].”

Coach Harpel says he thinks the future of Bulldog wrestling “looks good. The fans have been great.”

Juniors Warren Gerstacker and Bo Palker and sophomore George Saliba also recorded points for Hopewell against Allentown.

Roger agreed with his coach, “In three years our team will be so strong.”

Speaking for his two senior teammates, Nick said they have “much respect” for the people who came out to support them in the final home match of their Hopewell Valley wrestling careers.