Sammy Spaulding’s Grit Delivers a State Title for Camden Catholic

Camden Catholic’s Sammy Spaulding proved that heart and determination can force will in the 2025 NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships, delivering one of the most thrilling comeback victories of the tournament to claim the 132-pound state title.

Down 6-0 early against Ryan DeGeorge, Spaulding was in dangerous territory. His opponent had full control, but Spaulding refused to let the moment slip away. A huge reversal in the second period cut into the lead, and as the match wore on, his pace and composure became his greatest weapons.

With time running out in the third period, he executed a Jonesy tilt, a move he had been hesitant to attempt in high-pressure situations before. It was a gamble, but it paid off, tying the match and forcing overtime. At that point, momentum was on his side.

"I pulled that Jonesy tilt out of nowhere and had been nervous to hit it in a big match before," Spaulding admitted. "But I knew I had nothing to lose down 6-3 with short time, and I was able to scramble my way to that takedown."

In sudden victory overtime, Spaulding saw his moment. With DeGeorge fading, he set up a hard hook, limp-armed out, and hit a throw-by takedown to secure a dramatic 9-6 win and his first state championship.

"In OT, I felt strong in my hook because I could tell the pace was starting to get to him," he said. "I saw an advantage there, and I capitalized."

His preparation was just as critical as his performance. At Camden Catholic, Spaulding honed his craft daily with some of the best talent in the state, training alongside medalists like Kage Jones, Michael Craft, and Jaden Simpson.

"Even though I’m smaller, I still wrestle with medalists Kage, Michael, and Jaden at practice every day," Spaulding said. "Their different styles and feels in different positions helped me be ready for anything that was thrown at me."

For Spaulding, his state title isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a testament to perseverance, trust in the process, and faith."I just plan on continuing to work hard and getting better in all aspects of my game, doing it all through my faith in Jesus Christ, who has blessed me through it all," he said.

His comeback victory over DeGeorge was a defining moment that cemented his name among Camden Catholic’s wrestling greats. Standing at the top of the NJSIAA podium, Sammy Spaulding’s journey is a perfect example of why wrestling is the ultimate test of resilience.