Atlantic City in March usually means cold winds whipping off the ocean and empty boardwalks. But inside Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, things were boiling. If you weren't there for the njsiaa state wrestling tournament 2025, you missed what might be the most technically dominant display of wrestling New Jersey has seen in a decade.
People always talk about "Jersey Tough," but 2025 was different. It wasn't just about grit. It was about a changing of the guard and the cementation of a legend.
The Anthony Knox Era Ends in Perfection
Let’s be honest: everyone knew why they bought a ticket for Saturday. Anthony Knox. The Saint John Vianney phenom didn't just win; he dismantled the 126-pound bracket. Entering the weekend, the pressure was immense. He was looking to become just the fifth wrestler in the history of New Jersey to win four individual state titles.
Knox finished his career with a staggering 144-1 record. Think about that. One loss in four years of high school wrestling in the toughest state in the country. In the finals, he took on Nathan Braun from Bergen Catholic. Braun is a hammer, a kid who would be a state champ in almost any other year or weight class. Knox won by major decision, 18-4. It wasn't even as close as the score looked. Knox looked like he was wrestling at a different speed, a different frequency. He's heading to Rutgers now, and the "Knox to Rutgers" hype train is officially at full steam.
Freshman Fire at 106
While Knox was finishing his story, JoJo Burke was just starting his. The St. Joseph Regional freshman came into the 106-pound bracket with a target on his back. Usually, freshmen blink under the bright lights of Atlantic City. Not Burke. He faced Killian Coluccio of Lacey in a rematch of a regular-season bout.
It was a 4-3 nail-biter. Burke showed poise that you just don't see from 14-year-olds. He stayed heavy on the head, didn't chase bad shots, and rode out the third period like a veteran. If you're looking for the next four-timer, Burke is the name everyone in the stands was whispering about.
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Delbarton and the Power Centers
If you looked at the podiums, it felt like a private school convention at times. Delbarton, St. Joseph Regional, and Bergen Catholic were everywhere.
Delbarton had a monster showing.
- Cameron Sontz (113) looked untouchable, winning 4-2 over Charles Esposito.
- Jayden James (150) put on a clinic, ending his final with a pin in 1:50 over Jamar Dixon Jr.
- Alessio Perentin (165) bullied his way to a major decision.
It’s easy to complain about the dominance of the Non-Public schools. I get it. The recruiting, the resources—it’s a different world. But man, you can't argue with the wrestling. The technical proficiency coming out of the Delbarton room right now is insane. They aren't just winning; they are out-classing people.
The Public School Heroes
It wasn't all private school glory, though. The njsiaa state wrestling tournament 2025 had some massive wins for the "big school" public programs.
Harvey Ludington from Brick Memorial. If you haven't watched him move, you're missing out. At 190 pounds, he moves like a middleweight. He capped an undefeated season (41-0) by beating Vincenzo LaValle of Hanover Park. Ludington is the kind of kid who makes you remember why Shore Conference wrestling is so legendary. He’s physical, mean in the best way, and never stops moving his feet.
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Then there’s Wyatt Stout from Southern Regional. His 157-pound final against Gavin Hawk of Phillipsburg was arguably the match of the night. It went to the Ultimate Tie Breaker. 3-2. Stout held on for dear life in those closing seconds. The Southern faithful—who travel better than almost any fan base—nearly took the roof off the building.
Breaking Down the Girls Tournament
The girls' side of the njsiaa state wrestling tournament 2025 is no longer a "sideshow" or a growing sport. It’s here. The talent gap is closing rapidly.
One name you have to know: Reagan Roxas from Kingsway. She finished 33-0 at 120 pounds. Her 7-4 win over Jocelyn Danbe was a masterclass in counter-wrestling. Also, keep an eye on Saniyah Queen from Saint Thomas Aquinas. She’s only a junior and won the 138-pound title with a 12-6 decision. The aggression in the girls' brackets this year was through the roof. They were taking more risks than the boys in many of the early rounds, which made for some of the best highlights of the weekend.
Surprises and Heartbreaks
Every year, Boardwalk Hall breaks someone’s heart. Jordan Chapman from Cranford had an incredible run to the 175-pound finals. He ran into Ryan Burton from St. Joe’s. Burton is... well, he’s Ryan Burton. He won 20-6. It’s tough to see a kid like Chapman, who has given everything to the sport, come so close and get stopped by a buzzsaw. But that’s the reality of the AC mats. There is nowhere to hide.
What’s Next for New Jersey Wrestling?
If you followed the njsiaa state wrestling tournament 2025, you know the state is in good hands. But the landscape is shifting.
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First, the Rutgers factor. With Knox and several other top-tier seniors staying home, the NJ-to-Rutgers pipeline is stronger than ever. We're seeing a shift where kids don't feel like they have to go to Penn State or Iowa to be elite.
Second, the weight class changes. There’s a lot of talk about the NJSIAA potentially realigning weights again to match the national NFHS standards more closely. Coaches are split on this. Some love the tradition; others want the kids prepared for the national freestyle circuit.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Athletes:
- Watch the Replays: If you missed the finals, FloWrestling has the archives. Watch the 157-pound final (Stout vs. Hawk) if you want to see what "heart" looks like.
- Follow the Freshmen: Keep JoJo Burke and Sean Kenny (CBA) on your radar. The 2028 graduating class is loaded.
- Support Local Clubs: The reason NJ is so good is the "club culture." Places like Edge, Shore Thing, and Bitetto are where these state titles are actually won in July, not March.
- Check the Rankings: Now that the season is over, the final pound-for-pound rankings are out. Anthony Knox is the undisputed #1, but the battle for #2 between Ludington and Burton is a fun debate for the off-season.
The 2025 season is in the books. The mats are rolled up. But for the kids who stood on that podium, life just changed. For the ones who didn't? Monday practice for 2026 starts tomorrow.