Pascack Valley Wrestling: A New Chapter Written at Bergen County Tournament

The air was thick with anticipation and the raw energy of competition. Wrestlers from across Bergen County converged, muscles tensed, eyes focused, ready to battle it out on the mat. And when the dust settled at the 2026 Bergen County Tournament, one team stood out among the public schools, writing a new, exciting chapter in their history: Pascack Valley.

Indeed, it was a truly remarkable showing for Pascack Valley, who not only placed an impressive fifth overall amongst all schools, but also proudly seized the coveted title of the highest-finishing public school. This wasn't just another tournament; it felt like a statement, a clear indicator of the depth and potential brewing within the program, a blend of fresh faces making immediate impacts and familiar names delivering consistent excellence.

Leading the charge from the newer generation was freshman phenom Ryan Shim. What a debut! He navigated his way through a tough bracket at 113 pounds with a maturity beyond his years, ultimately emerging as a county champion. His performance was nothing short of dominant, showcasing skill and composure that left spectators buzzing. "He just looked really good all weekend," remarked Coach Tom De Benedetto, his pride palpable.

But Shim wasn't alone in the freshman spotlight. Aidan O'Connor also had a stellar run, battling his way to a second-place finish at 120 pounds. While he faced a formidable opponent in the finals, his journey there was certainly memorable. And let's not forget Aidan Carmody, another freshman who grabbed a well-earned third place at 106 pounds. To have three freshmen make such a significant impact on such a grand stage? That's truly something special, hinting at a bright future for PV wrestling.

Of course, you can't talk about Pascack Valley wrestling without mentioning the Kratochvil brothers – a formidable trio of veterans who consistently deliver. Senior Matthew Kratochvil battled fiercely at 144 pounds, reaching the finals before ultimately falling in a nail-biting 1-0 decision. His determination was evident in every match. Christian Kratochvil, a junior, wrestled his way to a solid third-place finish at 132 pounds, while senior Michael Kratochvil rounded out the family's impressive showing with a fourth-place medal at 150 pounds. Their experience, leadership, and consistent performance are truly the backbone of this team.

Coach De Benedetto couldn't emphasize enough the importance of the collective effort. "It really speaks to the depth we have in the room," he explained, reflecting on the balance of youthful energy and seasoned experience. "We've got guys pushing each other every single day, and that's what builds a strong team." Beyond the standout placers, John Kelly also contributed with an eighth-place finish at 126 pounds, as did Daniel Garcia at 138 pounds, further underscoring the team's all-around strength.

This fantastic showing at the Bergen County Tournament, especially as the top public school, is a massive confidence booster. It sets a powerful tone for the rest of the season, particularly with the highly anticipated sectional tournament on the horizon. If this performance is any indication, Pascack Valley is a team to watch, a compelling narrative of old wisdom meeting new vigor, and frankly, we can't wait to see what they do next.