Blase Mele’s Redemption Run: From Setback to Champion

Some wrestlers crumble under pressure—Blase Mele thrives in it.

The Princeton High School senior didn’t have a perfect road to his 144-pound NJSIAA state title, but that’s what made the journey even more special. After suffering two tough losses to Sonny Amato in the District and Region 5 finals, Mele refused to let those setbacks define his season. Instead, he made adjustments, stayed composed, and turned the tables on Amato when it mattered most—a dramatic 3-2 victory in the state semifinals.

That win set the stage for a dominant 7-1 performance over Donny Almeyda in the finals, securing Mele his first state championship and delivering a historic moment for Princeton wrestling.

"My career at Princeton High School has been a lot of fun," Mele said after winning the title. "I’ve had great coaches and a lot of support from my community. Bringing home a state title to Princeton allows me to give back to the program and all the people that have played a role in my success."

His ability to adjust after his Region 5 loss to Amato was critical. Instead of letting frustration sink in, Mele focused on refining his technique and sticking to a game plan.

"After falling short in the district/region finals, I tried to really focus on making technical adjustments and working on my game plan," Mele explained. "Keeping my composure was really important to achieving my goal rather than getting caught up in the losses."

That mental toughness proved invaluable in the state semifinals, where he pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by knocking off Amato in a low-scoring chess match, 3-2. After the emotional high of taking down Amato, Mele still had one final hurdle—Donny Almeyda.

Mele left no doubt. He dictated the pace, scored early, and controlled the match en route to a 7-1 decision. He score two takedowns on the edge of the mat and was able to ride out some time after each score. Mele capped off his high school career with the ultimate prize.

For Mele, this title is about more than just personal achievement—it’s about elevating Princeton’s wrestling program and leaving a legacy for the wrestlers coming up behind him. "Bringing home a state title to Princeton allows me to give back to the program," he said. "I hope this inspires the next generation of wrestlers here."

From heartbreaking losses to a career-defining victory, Blase Mele’s story is one of perseverance, adjustment, and championship mentality.