Don Bosco Wrestling: Program, Rankings & Alumni

By Sarah Miller · October 17, 2037

Don Bosco Wrestling refers to the highly competitive scholastic wrestling program at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey, consistently ranked among the top high school teams nationally, producing NCAA and international-level wrestlers.

Overview of Don Bosco Wrestling

Don Bosco Preparatory High School's wrestling team, located in Ramsey, NJ, is one of the most dominant forces in high school wrestling in the United States. With a legacy spanning decades, the Ironmen have earned national recognition for their consistent excellence, elite athlete development, and championship performances at state and national levels.

Program Highlights

Multiple-time New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state champions
Regularly ranked in the top 10 nationally by InterMat and Flowrestling
Alumni include NCAA Division I wrestlers and U.S. National Team members
Known for rigorous training, disciplined coaching, and a culture of excellence

Historical Achievements

Since the early 2000s, Don Bosco Wrestling has established itself as a powerhouse in high school athletics. The program gained national prominence under long-time coaches who emphasized technical mastery, strength conditioning, and mental toughness.

Notable Championships

NJ State Team Championships: Over 10 titles, including undefeated seasons
Region III Titles: Consistent dominance in North Jersey sectional competition
Appearances at prestigious events like the Super 32 Challenge and Walsh Jesuit Invitational

Year	NJ State Team Finish	Ranked Nationally (InterMat)	Individual State Champs	NCAA D1 Wrestlers (Alumni)
2023	Champions	#6	4	8
2020	Champions	#4	5	7
2017	Runner-Up	#8	3	6
2015	Champions	#3	6	5
2010	Champions	#10	4	3

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows Don Bosco’s sustained success over more than a decade, with consistent top-10 national rankings and multiple state championships. The number of individual state champions and NCAA athletes produced reflects the program’s ability to develop elite talent. Their performance peak around 2015–2020 coincided with a golden generation of wrestlers advancing to top collegiate programs.

Training and Coaching Philosophy

The Don Bosco wrestling program emphasizes a holistic approach to athlete development, combining intense physical training with strategic match preparation and character building.

Key Elements of Success

Technical Precision: Focus on fundamental technique and situational wrestling
Strength & Conditioning: Year-round fitness programs tailored to wrestling demands
Mental Toughness: Emphasis on discipline, resilience, and leadership
Recruiting Pipeline: Attracts top youth wrestlers from across New Jersey and beyond

Notable Alumni

Don Bosco has produced numerous wrestlers who have gone on to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Dan Medeiros: Multiple-time NJ State Champion, NCAA qualifier at Harvard University
Greg Kerkvliet: USA U20 National Team member, NCAA standout at Penn State
Several others: Competing in Power Five conferences including Big Ten, ACC, and Ivy League schools

Frequently Asked Questions About Don Bosco Wrestling

What makes Don Bosco wrestling so successful?

Don Bosco’s success stems from a combination of elite coaching, a strong developmental pipeline, disciplined training culture, and a tradition of excellence that attracts top-tier athletes. The program invests heavily in athlete development year-round, emphasizing both technical skill and mental resilience.

Where does Don Bosco wrestle and what division are they in?

Don Bosco competes in the NJSIAA’s North Jersey Region III, Group A, and hosts meets at their campus in Ramsey, New Jersey. They regularly face top-ranked teams from across the state and nation in dual meets and tournaments.

How can a wrestler join the Don Bosco wrestling team?

Prospective wrestlers typically enroll at Don Bosco Prep as students. Middle school athletes with strong records are encouraged to attend summer camps and open gyms to connect with coaches. Admission is competitive and based on academic eligibility and athletic potential.

Has Don Bosco ever been ranked number one in the nation?

While Don Bosco has not finished as the consensus #1 team nationally, they have been ranked as high as #3 by InterMat and frequently appear in the top 10. In several seasons, including 2015 and 2020, they were considered among the top three teams in the country during mid-season rankings.

Who are Don Bosco’s biggest rivals in wrestling?

Key rivals include DePaul Catholic, St. Peter’s Prep, Bergen Catholic, and Phillipsburg High School. Matches against these teams are often pivotal in determining state and regional championships and draw large crowds due to intense competition.