Ryan Burton Caps off Senior Season on a High Note

Greatness isn’t given—it’s earned, and Ryan Burton has proven himself worthy of wrestling’s highest honors. The St. Joseph Regiona senior capped off a dominant high school career with his second straight NJSIAA state championship, defeating Jordan Chapman in the 175-pound finals with a commanding 20-6 major decision. His road to back-to-back state titles wasn’t just about talent—it was about belief, trust in the process, and an unwavering drive to be the best.

Burton’s electric style was on full display in the state finals, where he came out aggressive, racking up early points and forcing Chapman into riskier shots—in which Burton expertly capitalized on.

"Winning the state title this year was definitely more meaningful to me because I knew what was going to happen—I just had to believe in myself and execute, and that’s what I did," Burton said. "It feels great to have two state titles and leave no doubt about my potential."

Burton’s road to the top wasn’t without adversity. He trained through injuries, wrestled while banged up during districts and regions, and still found a way to dominate when it mattered most.

"It was definitely hard, and a ‘trust the process’ experience," Burton explained. "Even for the state tournament, I had my hardest practice the day before we left for AC. It was important for me to trust that I was prepared."

Burton’s leadership went beyond individual success. He was the backbone of a St. Joe’s squad that rebounded from a slow start this season due to injuries to win the Non-Public Group A state championship.

"The special thing about Saint Joseph’s Regional is that we win together and we lose together. I feel like I lose when my teammates go down, and sometimes I need to be the guy to get the ball rolling for the rest of the boys."**

Burton’s name is now etched in SJR wrestling history, and his sights are set on even bigger goals.

"I want to be remembered as one of the best to go through this school," he said. "There are a bunch of legends that came through here, and I want to be on the Mount Rushmore of SJR."

With college wrestling on the horizon, Burton isn’t content with just high school dominance—his ambitions stretch far beyond New Jersey.

"I love the thought of starting over and having to re-climb the mountain at the college level," he said. "I want to win the NCAAs multiple times and win the Olympics. That’s the standard I’m going to hold myself to, and whatever it takes to get there, I’m willing to sacrifice everything."

As Ryan Burton closes the book on his historic high school career, one thing is clear—his story is just beginning.