Sonny Amato Dominates Region 5, Eyes Second State Title in Atlantic City

photo & coverage by: Antonio Morales

For Sonny Amato, the spotlight isn’t just on him—it follows him. The Rumson-Fair Haven standout has already cemented himself as one of New Jersey’s elite, and after a commanding 9-3 victory over returning state medalist Blase Mele in the Region 5 finals, he’s made it clear that he’s coming for another state title.

A product of Coach Eleazar DeLuca’s powerhouse program, Amato is on a quest for history. Winning another NJSIAA state title this week in Atlantic City would place him among only five wrestlers to ever win states in their first two seasons, an achievement that would put his name in rare company.

Amato’s Region 5 run wasn’t just about winning—it was about sending a message. After tech-falling Aiden Roman (17-1) in the quarterfinals and cruising past Jackson Obe by an 11-0 major decision in the semis, he stepped into the finals against Mele, a 2024 state 6th-place finisher, and took complete control.

“It feels amazing to dominate like that in the finals of regions,” Amato said after the win. “I think it puts my weight class on notice by giving them a preview of what’ll continue to happen at states.”

As he prepares for the biggest stage in New Jersey wrestling, Amato’s approach remains unchanged.

“My mentality going into states is the same as it is before I go out and wrestle every match—treat every opponent the same and take no one lightly,” he said. Despite the expectations that come with being a returning state champion, Amato remains unfazed. “To answer how I handle pressure, I don’t feel the pressure—pressure is for tires.”

With another dominant Region 5 performance in the books, Amato is now just five matches away from his second straight state title. Few have ever accomplished such a feat in their first two seasons, but Sonny Amato is no ordinary wrestler.