Ariel Azeredo Gets His Moment at Home, Claims Region 4 Title in Dramatic Fashion

photo & coverage by: AJ Morales

For Ariel Azeredo, the 2026 NJSIAA Region 4 Wrestling Tournament couldn’t have unfolded in a more meaningful way. Wrestling in his own gym with Union serving as the tournament host, Azeredo delivered one of the biggest wins of his career, capturing the Region 4 title with a hard-fought 7–6 decision over top-ranked Laudan Henry — a rematch that carried extra motivation after Henry had defeated him in the district finals just weeks earlier.

Azeredo’s path to the championship was dominant from the start. He opened the tournament with a technical fall over Simon Collins-Siegel before following it up with another technical fall, 19–2, against Max Ventura in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, he faced a tougher challenge against Christian Bollette but found his moment late in the match, locking up a cradle and securing the pin at 3:51. The fall energized the Union crowd and sent Azeredo into the finals with momentum on his side.

“I just knew if I got to my shots I would win,” Azeredo said after the match. “My single, my high crotch — everything. I just had to keep moving and wrestle my match.”

The championship bout didn’t start in his favor. Henry came out aggressive and built a 4–0 lead early in the second period, putting Azeredo in a position where he needed to respond quickly. Azeredo first cut into the deficit by escaping to make it 4–1, but the turning point came moments later during a scramble. Azeredo stayed active, fought through the position, and finished a takedown that nearly put Henry to his back.

Henry escaped, but the momentum had shifted. Azeredo had closed the gap and suddenly the match felt different.

Still trailing by a point, Azeredo kept the pressure on. With under a minute remaining in the second period, he found another opening, scoring another takedown that gave him his first lead of the match.

The Union gym erupted.

From there, Azeredo stayed composed, protecting the advantage through the final period and holding on for the 7–6 victory to claim the regional championship.

“I had no doubt in my mind I was going to win,” Azeredo said. “I knew I was as good as him. I knew I could keep up with him, and I showed it tonight.”

Wrestling at home added another layer to the moment. With teammates, family, and the Union crowd behind him, Azeredo could feel the energy in the building as the match tightened.

“The crowd was surreal,” he said. “I definitely felt the motivation and the love from my friends, my family, and all the coaches. I just knew I couldn’t let them down.”

Now, with the Region 4 title secured, Azeredo turns his attention to the next stage — the NJSIAA Wrestling State Championships. The win over Henry gives him confidence heading into the biggest tournament of the season, but his focus is already on what’s next.

“I’m coming for more in AC,” Azeredo said. “Top five, top three… I’m coming for that state championship.”

Winning a regional title at home and getting redemption against a top-ranked opponent made for a memorable weekend. But for Ariel Azeredo, the goal hasn’t changed.