PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School duo of P.J. Gohn and Michael Ilic came away with Region 2 championships at Mount Olive High School on Saturday, February 25.
Gohn (132) earned a 3-1 overtime victory over Garfield’s Jordan Robinson in the finals.
Ilic (182), meanwhile, won by forfeit over DePaul’s defending state champion Brandon Kui, who withdrew due to a back injury.
From little champs to big champs and now moving on to the States. These are three dedicated and hard working individuals. They are wrestlers who embraced the grind of an entire season and continue to work hard.
Most Outstanding Wrestler in District 8:
Parsippany Hills senior Justin Carifi was given the honor after pinning all three of his opponents to win the 113-pound title. In the finals, Carifi pinned top-seeded Kenny Kerwin of Passaic Valley late in the third period. Carifi, a 100-match winner, flattened Kerwin, senior state qualifier, in 5:42. Last season in 2016, Carifi finished 33-3.
Michael Ilic and PJ Gohn from Parsippany High School as well as Justin Carifi from Parsippany Hills High School all qualified at the Region 2 NJSIAA tournament this weekend to participate in the New Jersey Wrestling State Tournament. The top 3 place winners at their respective districts make it to the regions. Then the top 4 wrestlers from each region make the state tournament. There are a total of eight regions in the entire state of New Jersey. According to Coach Illic (Michael’s father) Michael, PJ and Justin have been wrestling together since they were 6 years old and were always major contributors to the many championship titles the recreation programs have achieved in the past.
They will compete in the state tournament next weekend at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
The state finals will begin Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
