Feb. 19, 2026- High School East boasts a storied wrestling program, with esteemed alumni that include UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar, Michael Conklin, and James Lynch. But the Raiders have never won a state sectional title.

Until now.

Following its win over rival High School South in the semifinal round Monday, East defeated Northern Burlington yesterday by a score of 43-19, capturing the 2026 NJSIAA Group 4 team title.

Joseph Totten, Christian Lynch, Kyle Ho, Carson Taylor, Julius Feliciano, Tristan Lengahan, Richard DeLorenzo, Francesco Edgar, Kevin Sickler, and Jayce Cappello all secured wins, helping the team to a dominating showing at a tournament that has otherwise foiled the program for decades, despite its great success in other events.

"There have been 477 dual meet victories in the 46-year history of the Toms River East wrestling program," wrote Joe Zedalis in the Star Ledger/NJ.com's post-match feature story. "... however, not a single one of them came in a sectional final."

That has all changed.

Coach Mark Gray, who succeeded the legendary Warren Reid, helped the squad overcome three straight losses to end the regular season, and clearly had them ready for the matches that mattered. Following a nail-biter to open the state tournament, a 34-33 win over Clearview, the Raiders romped their way to a state sectional title by a combined score of 97-36 in the ensuing two matches.

If it was a statement, it's been heard loud and clear, and the program, finally, has the hardware to show for all of its hard work.

Photos below courtesy of Allison Goodwin.