LCM junior wrestler makes Division I college commitment

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

Brock Zurawski’s ultimate goal is to win a state wrestling championship.

But he’s also already accomplished a major goal this week.

The Lower Cape May junior, considered among the contenders for a state championship at 165 pounds, has verbally committed to wrestle collegiately at Division I Rider University. Zurawski originally announced his decision on his Instagram page earlier this week.

“I really like the coach (John Hangey) and they have what I want to study,” said Zurawski, who plans to enter the field of law enforcement. “I think it’s a good school and I like the guys on the team.”

Zurawski is in the throes of one of the best all-time seasons for any wrestler in Lower Cape May history. He’s 30-2 on the season, with the only losses coming very early in the season at the prestigious Beast of the East Tournament, an event that draws many of the top wrestlers from the Mid-Atlantic region.

Zurawski, who’s won 24 straight matches, is considered an overwhelming favorite to win a District 32 title this weekend at Absegami High School and is a serious contender to win the Region 8 title next weekend at Egg Harbor Township High School.

Zurawski said the timing of his college commitment had nothing to do with the imminent postseason tournaments.

“It just felt like the right time to do it,” he said. “The opportunity came up so I decided to take it. It’s relieving to have my college (decision) over with, but nothing changes with wrestling. That stays the same.”

Zurawski, 18, spent his first two high school seasons at St. Augustine Prep before transferring to Lower Cape May.

Lower coach Bill Damiana said Zurawksi is one of the most talented wrestlers to ever come through the Caper Tiger program.

“He’s very tough to score on. He’s very stingy in giving up points,” Damiana said. “His length is a big factor. He’s very long for 165 pounds. To be over 6-2 at that weight, he gives a lot of the top guys problems because of that length. And then on top of that he’s very strong and he’s very strong with his hips.”

Zurawski’s talent and accomplishments to date have had him on the radar of many college programs for some time now.

“Brock’s had some goals and he’s worked hard and accomplished them and now his next goal is to win a state title,” Damiana said. “To be able to accomplish things like he has, it opens up a lot of doors. He’s garnered a lot of attention. To be able to commit so early with incentives put into it, it’s phenomenal.”