Hopatcong Wrestler Heading to the 'Big Show'

wrestling coach Eric Fajerman has never seen 120-pound senior Joey Cruz perform better.

"He's looking real good," Fajerman said. "When he opens up he can just score. He's really good on his feet. He's really tough on top. We want him to open up, be offensive, let it fly and see what happens."

And as Fajerman sees it, Cruz is peaking at the right time. The grappler will head to the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City this weekend, hoping to become the borough's first state champion since Zach Rey won the heavyweight crown in 2007.

Fajerman had plenty of reason to feel good about Cruz's chances.

Cruz (115-30) joined Hopatcong's earlier in the season and took home Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament, District 2 and Region 1 championships. And he amassed a 31-3 record this season.

"I'm just happy for the kid," said Fajerman, in his 12 seasons as the Chiefs' head coach. "He works as hard as anybody out there. He came up a little short his sophomore and junior year. But he wrestled great in districts and regions this year."

Cruz said he might be a little nervous before he takes the mat Friday night. But those feelings won't last long.

"Once I step on the mat," he said, "those [nerves] go away."

Fajerman said Cruz has put in as much work as anybody's he's ever coached.

"His character is second to none," Fajerman said. "He 's a rest kid. Nice kid. Does well in school. You don't have to worry about him messing up. He's going to do the right thing. He's a great kid."

And Cruz said he's ready for the challenge.

"It would mean everything to me" to win a state crown, Cruz said. "Just placing would be awesome. I have to wrestle my heart out. It's the last time I'll be wrestling in high school. I've just got to get it done."

Want to wish Cruz good luck? Tell us in the comments.