RBR SPORTS : WRESTLER NOTCHES 117 WINS, COACHES HONORED

The Red Bank Regional High School community is celebrating an exceptional athletic season, highlighted by prestigious honors for two standout coaches.

Head Swimming Coach Jennamarie Neylan has been named Shore Conference Coach of the Year, recognizing her leadership, dedication, and the strong culture she has built within the Buccaneers program.

After taking maternity leave during the 2024–25 season, Neylan returned to lead the team to an impressive 8–2 record, building on a solid foundation from the prior year when interim coach Kristyn Finnigan guided a young team to a 7–3 record and a sectional quarterfinal appearance.

In her 15th year as head coach (and three prior as an assistant), Neylan has elevated the program to new heights. She now holds a career record of 191-80-4, including 102-38-1 for the girls team and 89-42-3 for the boys team.

This season, the Buccaneers reached their first sectional final since 2017, earning notable wins over Princeton and Summit before falling to eventual state champion Chatham in the North 2, Group B final.

The team also secured second-place finishes at both the Monmouth County and Shore Conference Championships, solidifying its status among the region’s elite.

Also earning recognition is Head Girls Basketball Coach Adam Merklinger, (photo at right) who was named Co-Divisional Coach of the Year in the Shore Conference’s top division, one of the most competitive in the state.

In his first season as head coach, Merklinger led his team through an exceptionally challenging schedule. Five of the six teams in the division competed for state championships, with two earning national rankings, underscoring the high level of competition faced throughout the season.

These honors reflect the commitment, passion, and excellence demonstrated by both coaches and their student-athletes. Neylan and Merklinger continue to make a lasting impact on the Red Bank Regional community, making this a truly memorable season for Buccaneers athletics.

Red Bank Regional Wrestling Reaches New Heights with Record-Setting Season

The wrestling program at Red Bank Regional High School delivered a historic 2025–26 season, achieving a program-best 23–13 record and continuing to build momentum as one of the Shore Conference’s rising teams.

In a milestone accomplishment, the Buccaneers earned just their third-ever berth in the State Sectional Playoffs, a testament to the team’s growth, depth, and determination.

Leadership played a key role throughout the season, with captains Jason Huss, Henry Barreca, Jack Galligan, and Carter Diez guiding the team both on and off the mat.

Five wrestlers qualified for the Shore Conference Tournament, highlighted by Jason Huss, who placed fifth and reached his 100th career victory.

Huss capped one of the most decorated careers in program history. He finished as Red Bank Regional’s second all-time winningest wrestler with 117 career victories, while also setting new program records for career pins (63) and single-season wins (39). His performance earned him First Team All-Division honors.

In postseason competition, the Buccaneers continued to shine. At the district level, Jason Huss placed second and Keegan Farry finished third, with both advancing to the regional tournament. Huss then secured a fourth-place finish at regions, earning a spot in the individual state tournament.

On the girls side, the program continued its steady rise. Kaory Olvera and Arianna Villa-Harper placed third and fourth at districts and advanced to the regional level.

Olvera went on to place fourth at the regional tournament, securing her place as an individual state qualifier and marking another significant achievement for the program.

With record-breaking performances, postseason success, and continued growth across both the boys and girls teams, Red Bank Regional wrestling is building a strong foundation for future seasons.

Don’t Miss Spring Dates

As the spring season gets underway, the Red Bank Regional community is invited to celebrate the Class of 2026 at upcoming senior games. These events honor the dedication and contributions of student-athletes who have helped shape Buccaneers athletics.

April 27 – Boys Tennis Match vs. St. John Vianney, 3:45 PM
April 29 – Baseball Senior Game vs. Holmdel, 4:00 PM
April 29 – Boys Lacrosse Senior Game vs. Toms River East, 6:30 PM
April 30 – Softball Senior Game vs. Rumson-Fair Haven, 3:45 PM
May 11 – Girls Lacrosse Game vs. Red Bank Catholic, 4:00 PM

Come out and enjoy a great day of competition while celebrating Red Bank Regional’s senior student-athletes.