OLD BRIDGE – The Central Group 5 wrestling final had all the worthy drama, complete with lineup moves, surprise pins and upsets between Old Bridge and Monroe.

It came down to the final two bouts and Monroe’s biggest wrestler and smallest scrapper couldn’t be more cool or more poised in the most frenzied of atmospheres.

Heavyweight Anthony Marcos, who said he could barely hear his coaches, avoided getting thrown and won 6-3. Freshman 106-pounder Kyle Capodanno sprinted to the head table for the check-in, seized an early lead and fought off a cradle for 30 seconds in a tense second period to prevail 13-5.

More:Wrestling: Team Tournament scoreboard for MyCentralJersey area

More:Wrestling rankings: This week's Greater Middlesex Conference Top 10

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With that, Monroe’s bench jumped and down as the Falcons won 34-31 Wednesday for their first NJSIAA wrestling sectional title.

“It feels amazing,” Marcos said. “The atmosphere, everyone’s celebrating, we all feel amazing. … We’re a great team. We’re family. We’re all close.”

The second-seeded Falcons (18-14) took on all comers this season, constantly improved and eventually got guys in the right weight. Now, they’ve put together a memorable postseason run with wins over Hunterdon Central and Hillsborough to claim the hardware.

“It's been up, it’s been down,” Monroe coach Joe Eurell said. “Sometimes it’s banging your head against the wall but I knew that if we kept pushing them they would keep on pushing each other and that’s what they did.”

He added, “The kids knew what they had to do and they just kind of all rallied around each other and these are the results. They had a positive attitude.”

Monroe travels to the North 2 Group 5 winner Bridgewater-Raritan for Friday’s state semifinal with a trip to Sunday’s final at Rutgers on the line.

First, they had to get by top-seeded Old Bridge, which won the dual in late December, before a spirited crowd. As the lights dimmed, the wrestlers from the neighboring towns produced plenty of excitement under the spotlight.

The match had a 7-7 split in bouts but Monroe found a way with four pins, an upset, a surprise fall and limited bonus points.

The Shumsky twins – Josh at 144 and Matt at 150 – each dropped down a weight and scored pins. Monroe had a couple choices at 165 and went with sophomore Luke Pawliczak, who got a pin via a cradle in 3:21 while trailing 12-8.

Eurell said they considered bumping Pawliczak up and noted the team felt it needed to win tossup matches at 165 and 285 – both Falcons delivered.

At 132, Jafar Rizvi was the underdog but pulled out a 15-13 win against Daniel Ferraro, who had won 10-2 in the dual meet. The Falcons’ Nick Cavallo scored the pin at 120 in the second bout.

Also credit Monroe’s wrestlers who lost, including by three technical falls, which saved three team points. At 126, Joel Cholula fought off his back by bridging hard and lost to Lorenzo Granato, 20-3. Old Bridge’s Jake Tenebruso won 16-1 over Arjun Biju at 157 and Gavin Young opened the match at 113 with a 19-4 win over James Verderami.

Every move counted.

At 138, Old Bridge’s Griffin Nugent upset Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament champ Anthony Caponegro 10-5 to avenge an earlier loss. Old Bridge was without injured Viktor Ilnytskyi (120/126) but rallied late with three straight wins in the upper weights to set up the late drama.

Temiloluwa Odumbo won 13-4 at 175 followed by Dominick Paulino winning by disqualification because of too many stall calls at 190.

Zach Florio took an exhausting 2-1 match at 215 as both he and Hayden Cannon jostled for positioning in neutral in the third period. In the dual, Florio won 14-2.

Enter Marcos’ win at 285 to cut Old Bridge’s lead to 31-30 entering the final match.

Capodanno paced up and down during the 285-pound match, noting he “was just getting in the zone, kind of blocking out all the noise. I was cool, calm and I was just ready to wrestle.”

He edged Peoples 7-4 in the GMCT final on Jan. 25 and again won an exciting match in a tussle of promising freshmen.

The poised rookie credited the coaches and upperclassmen like Cavallo, the team captain, for setting the tone.

“We always have a positive attitude and we didn’t start off the best,” Capodanno said, “but we really bounced back in the past week. The energy has been all positive. The spirit was high, everyone was wrestling hard trying to get better for this and now we’re not done yet.”

Monroe 34, Old Bridge 31

113: Gavin Young (OLBR) over James Verderami (MOTO) (TF 19-4 4:30) 120: Nick Cavallo (MOTO) over Romeo Roman (OLBR) (Fall 0:45) 126: Lorenzo Granato (OLBR) over Joel Cholula (MOTO) (TF 20-3 4:25) 132: Jafar Rizvi (MOTO) over Daniel Ferraro (OLBR) (Dec 15-13) 138: Griffin Nugent (OLBR) over Anthony Caponegro (MOTO) (Dec 10-5) 144: Joshua Shumsky (MOTO) over Aiden Roman (OLBR) (Fall 4:56) 150: Matthew Shumsky (MOTO) over Ryan Hoey (OLBR) (Fall 0:42) 157: Jake Tenebruso (OLBR) over Arjun Biju (MOTO) (TF 16-1 3:30) 165: Luke Pawliczak (MOTO) over Dylan Miller (OLBR) (Fall 3:21) 175: Temiloluwa Odumbo (OLBR) over Yidan Wong (MOTO) (MD 13-4) 190: Dominick Paulino (OLBR) over Jayden Badillo (MOTO) (Def.) 215: Zachary Florio (OLBR) over Hayden Cannon (MOTO) (Dec 2-1) 285: Anthony Marcos (MOTO) over Liam Kellgren (OLBR) (Dec 6-3) 106: Kyle Capodanno (MOTO) over David Peoples (OLBR) (MD 13-5)

As a college professor, Grishma Shah uses her storytelling skills to teach her students about economics, culture and globalization.

"Students rarely remember the numbers, graphs or data, but they do perk up and recall the colorful, rich stories I tell them to bring the knowledge to life," said Shah, a Monroe resident who has received three degrees from Rutgers and now teaches at Manhattan University.

Shah decided to set aside the textbooks for a while and take her storytelling to another level. Her debut novel, "Anagram Destiny," was released in September by Spark Press/Simon & Schuster.

In the world of publishing, they say, "Write what you know," and Shah seemed to have followed that advice. She uses her life experience as the daughter of Indian immigrants and her academic knowledge of world economies to tell the story of Aanya and her childhood friend and eventually her husband Ayaan Parekh. The story is about the sacrifices immigrants make to achieve the American dream, but it’s also about the rise of India as a major player in the global marketplace.

The families are friends because they share a bond of culture and familiarity, being the only Indians within 100 miles living in Georgia. The two fictional families run a 34-room roadside motel, mirroring Shah’s own childhood experience as her family ran a motel in New Jersey. Her uncle still runs a motel in New Jersey.

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Shah’s family came to America when she was 7 and settled in Lawrenceville, but there are little references to the Garden State, or its well-known locations, including Rutgers, in her book. She said she wanted to create some space between fact and fiction.

"The experience is real, but the locations are made up," Shah said.

She picked Georgia as the primary American location of "Anagram Destiny" because she also wanted to convey the Indian immigrant experience in the U.S. It’s estimated that about half the country’s mom-and-pop motels are owned by immigrants from India and the majority of those, Shah added, are in the South along Interstate 95.

Rutgers may not appear by name in her book, but Shah said the story behind "Anagram Destiny" began to take root while she was a student at the university. As an undergraduate majoring in political science, Shah went to India in 1999 as a part of Rutgers’ Study Abroad program.

"That time profoundly impacted me," Shah said.

Though she had been to India many times before, it was the first time she was going without her family, enabling her to see the country from another perspective.

"I volunteered at the Missionaries of Charity in Old Delhi, helped rebuild homes for earthquake survivors, and witnessed firsthand the stark contrast of 'two Indias' – one racing toward globalization with skyscrapers rising in Gurgaon, while another battled severe challenges, like poverty, inequality and gender inequity. This duality of India left an indelible mark on me," Shah said.

She received her bachelor’s degree in 2001 and her master’s in public affairs and politics a year later from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. As she was working toward her doctoral degree at Rutgers in Newark, her professor Kevin Kolben asked her in 2006 to join him as an assistant on a study trip and return to India.

"That’s when I really began to see all the changes taking place in India – all the impact of globalization, how people were changing, how culture was changing," she said. "Prior to that, the last time I had gone back was during the study abroad trip, so I felt a shift happening."

The economic policies were implemented in the early '90s, she said, with results a decade later. In those short years between 1999 and 2008 between Shah’s visits, India "went from being an economy that was once stagnant to being an economy that was fast growing. We call it the India Rising era."

Kolben, who lived in India between 1995-96, saw those changes firsthand.

"While a lot of the discussion, particularly in business circles, was about 'India Rising,' it was clear that there were two Indias – one that was entering modernity and the global economy, and one that was left out," said Kolben, who is a professor of business law at Rutgers Business School, Newark. "I was interested in exposing my students to all facets of that. So, it meant exposure to realities that might have been uncomfortable, or that challenged their world views. Many of the students had never been to a developing country before. Some had never been out of the U.S., and India – especially the unfiltered version – can be a lot for someone who is more used to the New Jersey suburbs."

He added it’s particularly rewarding to hear the impact his teaching left on Shah.

"It doesn’t matter which way they might have been affected, but at least you made a difference in someone’s life, whether it be intellectual, professional or personal," he said.

In the book, Aanya also witnesses these changes as she, too, arrives in 2008 in Gurgaon, a modern city of high rises, luxury hotels, malls and rapid transportation in northern part of the country. The software engineer is there for a long-term tech project for her job. Her story is told in dual timeline – 1980s Georgia and 2008 India. As the story unfolds, the reader learns why Aanya has come to India alone, telling her love story between the two timelines.

Shah said she began the book in 2018 and completed the first draft a year later. She calls it her passion project and hopes to follow up with another novel, but she plans to return to the classroom to tell her stories to her students.

"When I focus on one person, their personal stakes, their highs and lows, their gains and losses, their triumphs and tribulations, that is when they listen intently," she said. "That is when they absorb and become invested. It is then that they begin to build empathy and see themselves in a stranger across the world. It is then that we develop conscious and compassionate future leaders and decision-makers."

Shah will reunite with her former professor, Kevin Kolben, to discuss "Anagram Destiny," for a discussion of her novel and how her time at Rutgers impacted her novel during a talk Nov. 20 at noon at Rutgers Business School, 1 Washington Park, room 508, Newark.

When it comes to winter magic, few things capture the joy of the season like the crunch of fresh snow and the thrill of sledding down a snowy hill. But where can families find the most idyllic spots to create these memories?

Gunther Kia set out to answer this by surveying 3,000 families nationwide, collecting their recommendations for the best sledding locations to visit on Christmas Day − and two Garden State spots were voted the best.

Thompson Park, Monroe

At No. 27 on the list, Thompson Park has gentle slopes ideal for young children and families. The open spaces and scenic views make it a pleasant spot for sledding.

Parking is convenient, and the park's amenities enhance the overall experience.

Go: Thompson Drive and Lakeview Avenue, Monroe; middlesexcountynj.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/71/36.

Cheesequake State Park, Matawan

Coming in at No. 8, Cheesequake State Park features hills that are popular for sledding during snowfall surrounded by natural beauty and a tranquil setting offer a peaceful retreat for families.

The park's proximity to urban centers also makes it a convenient choice.

Go: 300 Gordon Road, Matawan; 732-566-2161, nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/cheesequakestatepark.html.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

When the NJSIAA announced the brackets for the Team Wrestling Tournament, no doubt some coaches were scrambling for scouting reports.

Not in the Greater Middlesex Conference.

The Central Group 5 bracket includes four GMC Red Division teams, as well as Blue Division champs North Brunswick. Expect plenty of familiarity and compelling rematches. The Skyland Conference’s Hillsborough and Hunterdon Central will also be making their cases.

The tournament begins with Monday’s sectional quarterfinals and semifinals, continues with Wednesday’s sectional finals and Friday’s group semifinals – all at the higher seeds.

It concludes Sunday at Rutgers’ Jersey Mike’s Arena with the five public group finals and the two non-public championships.

Here is a look at different scenarios in the bracket:

Central Group 5

Monday’s quarters followed by the semifinals

At Old Bridge

8-Trenton vs. 1-Old Bridge

5-Edison vs. 4-East Brunswick

Winners immediately follow in the semifinal

At Monroe

7-Hunterdon Central vs. 2-Monroe

6-North Brunswick vs. 3-Hillsborough

Winners immediately follow in the semifinal

Old Bridge earned the top seed with power points boosted by key wins over Monroe, Edison, East Brunswick, as well as victories against two other No. 1 seeds – Bridgewater-Raritan (North 2 Group 5) and Hopewell Valley (Central Group 3).

Storylines

Edison vs. East Brunswick keys: Ring the bell, it will be another clash between East Brunswick and Edison. EB won the Dec. 18 dual, 45-29. The Eagles, though, fared better in tournament settings finishing ahead of the Bears in the EB Bear Invitational and the GMC Tournament.

In the dual, East Brunswick had five straight pins from 165 to 285 with George Crostewitz, Devan Monahan, Vincent DiFabio, Jacob Ring and Jose Rosado getting the falls. Derrian Oliver also sees time for EB at 190. Those bonus points – or saving them – are critical.

The teams’ stars are in the same neighborhood, making it interesting for any possible bumps. Edison has GMCT finalists in Nicholas Campaneilli (120), Jeremy Negron (132) and champion Fernando Avellan (144). EB counters with Dominick Lezark (126, GMCT fourth) and Jake Gujski (138, GMCT finalist).

A key note: Edison’s 113-pound GMCT finalist Tyler “Candie” Northern didn’t wrestle in the dual and Xavier Cheataam went 113 and not his usual 106.

Old Bridge’s keys to reaching the final: Assuming Old Bridge gets by No. 8 Trenton, they’ll meet a GMC division foe in the semifinal. The Knights beat Edison 52-17 (11-3 edge in matches) on Jan. 8 and East Brunswick 47-25 (9-5 edge in wins) on Jan. 17.

The Knights got even stronger since both duals getting Zach Florio back from injury (215, GMCT finalist). That allows Dominick Paulino (GMCT finalist, 190) to not have to bump up.

Still, both East Brunswick or Edison will have a puncher’s chance. The blue print is no secret: limit the extra points and score a couple upsets. All nine of Old Bridge’s wins against EB were bonus points. Against Edison, Old Bridge got six pins, a 13-5 major and four decisions. If each team could shave a couple points here or there, then it just might be tight down the stretch.

Monroe vs. Hillsborough possible semifinal: This has the feel of a Middlesex County against Somerset County all-star match. In fact, Monroe placed fourth in the 24-team GMCT and Hillsborough was third in the 13-team SCT.

The compelling meeting has 165 to 190 looking like tossups. Other fun bouts could take place at 120 between Monroe’s Nick Cavallo (3rd GMCT) and Hillsborough’s Logan McDermid (2nd SCT, 2023 state qualifier); at 157 with Hillsborough state qualifier Matt Miller and veteran Matt Shumsky and at 285 with Hillsborough SCT champ Nick Duarte and Anthony Marcos (4th GMCT).

On paper, Hillsborough looks to be the favorite with Ryan Spinelli (113), Zach Iannucci (126), Corey Iannucci (132) and Owen Miller (144). Monroe seems favored with Kyle Capodanno (106), Anthony Caponegro (138), Josh Shumsky (150) and Hayden Cannon (215).

How does Old Bridge match up with Monroe in a possible Wednesday final?: Old Bridge won the dual 42-25 in its season-opener on Dec. 20. This time, the meeting will have a different complexion. At 106, Monroe’s Kyle Capodanno had the pin but the Knights didn’t use David Peoples. In the GMCT final on Jan. 25, Capodanno edged Peoples 7-4 and Part 2 would be an anticipated rematch. If Monroe bumps Capodanno, he’ll likely meet Old Bridge’s Gavin Young, the GMCT champ at 113.

There can be other juicy rewinds. At 120, Old Bridge’s Viktor Ilnytskyi and Monroe’s Nick Cavallo split during the season. At 138, Monroe GMCT champ Anthony Caponegro topped Griffin Nugent 9-3 in the dual. At 157, Old Bridge’s Jake Tenebruso topped Monroe’s Matt Shumsky 10-5 in the GMCT third-place match – in the dual, Tenebruso went at 165.

Old Bridge would be the favorites at the upper weights with Paulino (190), Florio and Liam Kellgren (285), while Monroe has the edge at 150 with Josh Shumsky.

Additionally, there could be tight matches at 126, 132, 165 and 175 depending on who goes where. Any bonus point swings will be key.

How does Old Bridge match up with Hillsborough in a possible final?: Go through the matchups and all signs lead to a juicy meeting with the outcome in doubt. Four middle weights from 150 to 175 can all be tight with a marquee bout of Old Bridge’s Tenebruso against Matt Miller, a state qualifier.

Compelling possible lower-weight meetings include Old Bridge’s Young and Ryan Spinelli in a clash of GMCT and SCT champs at 113; Old Bridge’s Ilnytskyi and Hillsborough’s McDermid at 120 and Griffin Nugent and Anthony Mayo at 138.

Hillsborough figures to have the edge at 126 and 132 with Zach and Corey Iannucci and at heavyweight with Nick Duarte. The Old Bridge big-weight hammers of Paulino (190) and Florio (215) look to score team points.

Can Hunterdon Central and North Brunswick pull upsets?: Give it to both teams, they haven’t shied from competition and their wrestlers are well-seasoned. Hunterdon Central is going through a rare rebuilding year but you have to watch them against Monroe in the quarterfinals. Monroe won 46-30 on Dec. 30 with two decisions and five pins. We’ll see if Hunterdon Central can close the gap. Two-time region champ Rhett Washleski (150) is one of the area’s best wrestlers. HC won via pin in the dual at 106 but Monroe didn’t have GMCT champ Capodanno. In the other quarter, Hillsborough topped North Brunswick 53-24 on Feb. 1.