Michael DiBiase walked out of Cinnaminson High School with a NJSIAA/IBEW Local 102 District 27 title on Saturday - capping a district career in which he won championships in all four years.
The Caseys won five weight classes overall on the way to the team title. But perhaps the most meaningful honor came prior to the finals where Colin Monahan was awarded his second district Coach of the Year award.
Monahan passed away in October of cancer at the age of 28.
He was a district champion and 100-match winner at Freehold Boro and wrestled at Ursinus where he was the first recipient of the Pat Curry Award for Dedication and received the Director of Athletics Award, which is given to the student-athlete who demonstrates loyalty, perseverance and spirit to the team and college.
Monahan returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach and was named region coach of the year in 2022 after helping to lead Freehold Boro to its first district title.
Last year, Monahan joined the Red Bank Catholic coaching staff and planned to return this season. His father accepted the award for him on Saturday.
“This was our first overall team title,” said Red Bank Catholic coach Joe Gallagher. “We’ve been building a long time, we have very young kids and this was a very tough district.
“But we always talk about his initials being on the back of our singlets. If you’re tired, it doesn’t matter, things get tough in the final seconds, think about Colin. ... .We’re doing it for him. He was a perfect person, a gentle great coach. This is all well beyond our control. (Monahan) was a huge part of this.
“All year, I thought about (putting Monahan up for the assistant honor). I didn’t want to insult any coaches, but he had a huge impact on us and he’s such a driving part of what we do. He planned to be here a long time. One of the last things he said to his dad is ”I came here to learn to be a head coach, but this is my forever job.‘”
DiBiase captured his fourth district title with a decisive 8-0 major decision over Kingsway’s Ryan Preziosi at 113 pounds, and he’s been motivated to succeed for Monahan his whole senior year.
“I was only with him one year, but it was very special,” said DiBiase. “He was there for every match. He meant a lot to me and when he passed suddenly I was distraught, so I’ve dedicated this whole season to him.”
For DiBiase, his perfect performance in the districts throughout his career has been based on a lifetime of work.
“I’ve been wrestling since elementary school, going to all those practices, not stopping for a moment,” said DiBiase. “If you don’t put effort into anything, you won’t get it.”
Gallagher praised DiBiase for what he’s brought to the program after transferring from Wall following his sophomore season.
“Michael’s a special kid, he’s a straight-A student and he’s also a Jersey symphony orchestra cellist,” said Red Bank Catholic coach Joe Gallagher. “Michael has a gift that goes well behind wrestling. He sets the standard in everything he does. He wrestles violent, but he doesn’t have a violent bone in his body. It’s very funny because it’s an aggressive sport, and his life is very soft and gentle. He doesn’t get mad, but he gets after it.
“He’s won four district titles and never won a state medal. Hopefully he will this year, but for Michael the experience and pursuit of the state medal is the best thing.”
Joseph Vezzosi (106 pounds), Cole DeAngelo (120), Robert Connelley (157) and Frank Romeo (165) joined DiBiase as champions. Overall, seven Caseys moved on to Region 7.
A three-time state qualifier, DiBiase reached the blood round a year ago but came up one win short. He was a region champion as a sophomore.
He hopes to lead the way to Atlantic City for his young teammates.
“Winning a district title is very nice, but I think we can do more than that,” said DiBiase. “We want to get into regions, go on to states and maybe get on that podium. I know I want to do that. I haven’t done it yet, but I’m planning to for Coach (Monahan),”
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