Chatham Wrestler DeLade Defeated, But Still Has State Tournament Hopes

After a loss to No. 1 seeded Zach Troutman of New Providence on Friday night of the Region 3 wrestling tournament at Union High School, Chatham heavyweight Greg DeLade will have to win three straight matches on Saturday, Feb. 9 in order to earn the third place finish that would bring him to the state tournament in Atlantic City.

DeLade, who battled a bloody nose throughout his Friday night match, will wrestle in the consolation wrestlebacks on Saturday. His first match will be against Anthony Tufaro of Scotch Plains.

If DeLade can beat Tufaro, he will need to overcome two more opponents to land himself in Atlantic City, a goal that is the dream of most New Jersey high school wrestlers.

“I still have tomorrow, so I’m just going to have to come in and work hard and try to get third,” said DeLade. “I have to make sure to get hand control on bottom tomorrow, and beat his first move off the whistle.”