Patrick O'keefe Pins for a Title at Sam Cali Battle for the Belt

by NJ Athletics
photo by: Tommy Maxwell

This weekend, the wrestling world turned its eyes to the Morristown Armory for the annual Sam Cali Battle for the Belt, a two-day showcase of some of the region’s best talent. Among the standout performers was Patrick O'Keefe of St. John Vianney, who dominated the 132-pound weight class to bring home the championship belt.

O'Keefe entered the tournament as one of the favorites, and he more than lived up to the hype. From the opening round to the finals, he showed why he's a state placewinner and one of New Jersey’s premier wrestlers.

The path to the championship wasn’t just about winning—it was about dominating. Here’s a breakdown of O'Keefe’s matches:

  • Finals: O'Keefe pinned Finn O'Brien (Chaminade) in just 2:26 to secure the belt.
  • Semifinals: A textbook performance saw him defeat Gino Schinina (St. Peter's Prep) by decision, 6-0.
  • Quarterfinals: Advanced via medical forfeit against Rafe Fonte (Mendham).
  • Round of 16: Needed only 51 seconds to pin Malik Abuharthieh (Passaic Tech).
  • Round 1: Started the tournament with authority, pinning Jacob Paulter (Don Bosco Prep) in just 24 seconds.

Throughout the tournament O'keefe picked up his 100th win setting the tone for the year. 

With the "Sam Cali Battle for the Belt" in the rearview mirror, all eyes will be on Patrick O'Keefe as he continues his season. Can he carry this momentum into the state championships and beyond? If this weekend is any indication, the sky's the limit.

 Watch here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEII6Ykuvtz/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEI80QwOq1K/

 

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