Caldwells Student Wrestler Notches 100th Win, Accepted To U.S. Naval Academy

West Caldwell, NJ – First, 100 wins. Then the U.S. Navy.

James Caldwell High School (JCHS) senior Dean Caravela recently notched his 100th win during a match on Saturday, according to school officials.

But the standout Essex County wrestler also reached another personal landmark when he received notice of his acceptance at the U.S. Naval Academy.

According to a school news release, Caravela’s wrestling career took off when he notched 35 wins as a freshman, the most in a single season in the program’s history, breaking the 1986 record held by his father, Tom Caravela and becoming the first freshman wrestler from Caldwell to place in the top eight in the states.

He also placed in the top eight during his sophomore year, and was on target to do the same in his junior year prior to a shoulder injury, according to school officials.

Caravela, who currently competes at the 149-pound class, hopes to return to his state spot for his senior year before joining the Division 1 Navy team, school officials stated.

Photo courtesy of the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District

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