Coming off their third consecutive NJSIAA Group II and Shore Conference Tournament titles, Long Branch Green Wave wrestlers have been hard at work preparing for their next season of wrestling.

Clockwise from top: Long Branch’s Luke Balina looks to escape the hold of Freehold Township’s Connor West during a dual wrestling meet at Long Branch High School on July 14. Shore Regional’s San Koenig (r) tries to keep a hold on Manalapan’s Connor Wilson. Freehold Township’s J.T. Baumann looks for a way out of the hold that Long Branch’s Jake George has on him. Long Branch has been hosting the Summer Duals on Wednesday evenings. PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff During the summer, teams from the Shore Conference and outside travel to Long Branch High School to participate in the numerous Summer Duals events that are held on Wednesday nights.

The Green Wave has found continued success this summer, and they defeated both Freehold Township and John F. Kennedy High School on July 14.

With only one more night of Summer Duals remaining, head coach Danny George feels this summer has been a good one for his team.

“Everyone is working really hard, and we have had a productive summer so far,” George said. “Everyone seems to enjoy it as well.”

Citing the improvements Green Wave wrestlers have made this summer, George stressed the importance of remaining active during the summer months and described Summer Duals as an opportunity to remain sharp.

“Part of it is about maintaining your skill level,” he said. “It is also about getting as many quality matches as possible. The only way to get better is to compete.”

And quality is something George has come to expect from his team, which has been ranked as the best in the state for the last two years.

The last three seasons were certainly memorable if not historic ones for the Green Wave, and the team’s efforts this summer have left George confident.

And, considering Long Branch’s three consecutive championship runs and the improvements Green Wave wrestlers have made this summer, it is easy to understand why George is looking forward to next season.

“I’m excited. It’s hard to judge where we are in terms of conditioning, but our skill level has definitely gotten better. I expect nothing but the best,” he said.