Polls
WRESTLER OF THE YEAR POLL
The best of the best are on the board. After a season filled with dominant runs, national-level competition, and statement performances on the biggest stages, six of New Jersey’s elite now stand alone. These wrestlers didn’t just separate themselves across the state, they made noise on the national scene and proved they belong among the top in the country.
Now it’s time to decide. Vote below for the NJ Athletics Wrestler of the Year and help crown the top performer from a season loaded with elite talent.
Cam Sontz, Delbarton - 120
Cam Sontz continued his remarkable career at Delbarton with a 42–3 record, a #5 national ranking, and his third consecutive NJSIAA state championship.
Competing against elite national competition throughout the season, Sontz’s only losses came against wrestlers ranked #2, #6, and #8 in the country. He earned key national-level victories over #6 and #9, including a critical major decision over #6 that played a major role in Delbarton’s dual-meet victory over Blair Academy.
Sontz was dominant throughout the state tournament, recording three technical falls and a semifinal pin, before defeating returning state champion JoJo Burke of St. Joseph Regional in sudden victory to secure his third title.
Paul Kenny, Christian Brothers -126
Paul Kenny delivered one of the most dominant seasons in the state at 126 pounds, finishing 42–1, ranked #3 nationally, and capturing the NJSIAA state championship.
The Iowa commit claimed a title at Powerade and finished 2nd at Ironman, defeating multiple nationally ranked opponents including #4 and #17 during the season. His only loss came against the #2-ranked wrestler in the country.
Kenny’s dominance carried into Atlantic City, where he recorded bonus-point victories in every round, including a pin in the state finals, firmly establishing himself as the top wrestler in his weight class from start to finish this season.
Sonny Amato, Rumson Fair-Haven - 150
Sonny Amato delivered an outstanding season for Rumson-Fair Haven, finishing 36–1, ranked #7 nationally, and capturing the NJSIAA state championship.
Amato placed 3rd at Beast of the East and remained undefeated in New Jersey competition throughout the season. His only loss came against the #20-ranked wrestler in the country.
Among his biggest victories was a championship win over #9-ranked Nick Schwartz of Delbarton in the state finals, along with a key national-level win over the #15-ranked wrestler at Beast of the East. His consistency throughout the season positioned him among the state’s elite performers from start to finish.
Jayden James, Delbarton - 165
Jayden James put together a truly dominant season, finishing 36–0, ranked #1 in the nation, and capturing his second NJSIAA state championship along with his fourth career state medal.
The Penn State commit claimed titles at both Ironman and Doc Buchanan, two of the nation’s toughest tournaments, while securing major national wins over elite competition including the #1-ranked wrestler at 157 pounds, a technical fall over #9 Josh Piparo of St. Peter’s Prep, and another technical fall over a top-15 nationally ranked opponent.
James was nearly untouchable during the state tournament, technical falling his way to the finals before securing a pin in the championship match, further cementing his status as the top wrestler in the country this season.
Santino Rodriguez, Don Bosco - 175
Santino Rodriguez put together an outstanding undefeated season against both national and in-state competition, earning a #14 national ranking while capturing titles at Beast of the East, Sam Cali Invitational, and the NJSIAA State Championships.
Rodriguez consistently tested himself against some of the toughest competition in the country and repeatedly delivered in high-pressure situations throughout the season. His ability to navigate deep national brackets while continuing to improve each week positioned him among the state’s top performers from start to finish.
He closed the season with one of the most impressive victories of the year, defeating #12 Gabe Logan of Delbarton to secure the state championship and cap off an elite undefeated campaign.
CJ Betz, Delbarton - 190
CJ Betz capped off an outstanding career at Delbarton with another elite season, finishing ranked #5 in the nation and capturing the NJSIAA state championship.
Competing against one of the toughest national schedules in the country, Betz placed 3rd at Doc Buchanan and 2nd at Ironman, earning key victories over #11 and #16 nationally ranked opponents along the way. His only losses came against the #1-ranked wrestler in the nation, a split series with the #2-ranked wrestler, and another top-five opponent — further highlighting the level of competition he consistently faced.
At the state tournament, Betz powered through the bracket with a pin and technical fall in the early rounds, before defeating multi-time state medalist Alex Reyes of Holmdel in the semifinals. He closed out his championship run with a victory over #18 nationally ranked. Nevin Mattesich of Don Bosco Prep in the finals to secure the state title and finish his high school career at the top of the podium.
Tanner Hodgins, Howell - 215
Tanner Hodgins put together one of the most impressive seasons in New Jersey this year, finishing 42–2 and ranked #9 nationally while capturing an NJSIAA state title. His only two losses came against the #8-ranked wrestler in the country, underscoring the level of competition he consistently faced throughout the season.
Hodgins proved himself on the national stage with wins over the #10, #18, and #19-ranked wrestlers in the country, while placing 2nd at Escape the Rock and 3rd at Beast of the East. He closed the season in dominant fashion at the state tournament, recording two pins, one technical fall, and two major decisions, including a major decision victory in the finals to secure the championship.
Christian Alvarez, St. Joe's Regional - 285
Christian Alvarez delivered one of the most dominant seasons in the state, finishing 35–0, earning a #6 national ranking, and capturing the NJSIAA state championship.
Alvarez claimed major national-level titles at both Powerade and Escape the Rock, while also going undefeated against nationally ranked competition during the Fab 50 Duals, showcasing his consistency against elite opponents throughout the season. He secured multiple statement victories over nationally ranked wrestlers, including wins over #10 (twice), #13 Mateo Vinciguerra of Woodstown, #17, and #18.
At the state tournament, Alvarez carried the same dominant momentum he built all season, pinning his way to the championship finals before defeating Vinciguerra once again, this time by an 8–1 decision, to complete his undefeated run and secure the state title.