Kyle Slendorn Leaving Lasting Legacy On Wrestling Mat At Howell By Pat Ralph

 Known for being one of the best wrestling programs in the Shore Conference and New Jersey, Howell High School has produced its fair share of great wrestlers who have gone on to win district, region, and state championships. Over the last four years, another wrestler has earned himself a spot in the echelon of great Rebels wrestlers: Kyle Slendorn.  

 As a freshman, Slendorn wasted no time in establishing himself as a fixture in the Rebels’ lineup. At the 106-pound weight level, Slendorn captured his first of four District titles and finished third at Regions to complete a 37-3 record during his first year. 

 In his sophomore season with the Rebels, Slendorn moved up to the 113-pound weight class and took his wrestling to another level as well. Slendorn racked up another 37 wins on his way to capturing a second-straight District title and a second place finish at Regions. Slendorn’s strong sophomore campaign helped Howell capture the District 21 team championship for the fourth time in five years and a state sectional championship. 

 Slendorn moved up to the 126-pound weight class in his junior year and continued his wrestling dominance by going 42-2 in his third season with the Rebels. It was during his junior year when Slendorn finally got over the hump at Regions and captured his first title. Along with winning a third straight District title, Slendorn finished second in his weight class at the state tournament in his third trip to Atlantic City. Slendorn’s team-high 42 wins helped the Rebels win the Shore Conference Tournament for the first time since 2014, repeat as District champions, and win their first state championship in school history. The Rebels won a program-record 30 bouts in 2017. 

 With 116 career victories entering his senior season, Slendorn had the opportunity to become the winningest wrestler in Howell High School. Having bumped up to the 132-pound weight class, Slendorn claimed that honor when he moved to 23-0 during the season. Then, Slendorn made history by becoming the second wrestler in Howell history to win four straight District titles as a member of the Rebels. The first wrestler to win four straight District titles for Howell was Zac Cunliffe from 2000-2003.  

 This season, the Rebels would set a new program-record by going 32-0 and capturing a third straight District title and second-straight state championship. As a result, the Rebels earned the honor of being the highest-ranked public school team in the Garden State. 

 “He’s a great kid and has such a great attitude,” Howell head coach John Gagliano said. “He’s been a great leader and role model for our team. I can’t believe that he’s already a senior.” 

 For Slendorn and Howell, all they knew was winning in 2018, as neither had suffered defeat this season. That would all change at the Region 6 Tournament, where Slendorn was the heavy favorite to repeat as Region champion. Had he won, Slendorn would have become the sixth wrestler in Howell history to win multiple Region titles. However, the 38-0 Slendorn suffered his first defeat of the season in the 132-pound Region final against Bryan Miraglia of Delran. Slendorn’s hopes of graduating as a Region champion were dashed. 

 But despite the stunning defeat and dream of a perfect season being crushed, Gagliano says that the quick turnaround to the state tournament will help erase any bad memories from Slendorn’s mind of what happened in his last match.  

 “He doesn’t let these losses get the best of him,” Gagliano said. “He’s already moved on and he’s onto the next match. He’s so mature and always focused on what he has to do next.” 

 Slendorn will be one of nine Howell wrestlers, a record number for the Rebels, to compete in the final wrestling tournament of the season in Atlantic City. Despite the disappointing loss in the Region final, there would be no better way for Slendorn to finish off his high school career than by capturing his first state championship. But win or lose, Kyle Slendorn has already established his wrestling legacy for the Rebels.