Matthews Takes 6th in State Wrestling Tourney

Nick Matthews said it would be an awesome achievement just to make the top-8 in his weight class at the New Jersey State Wrestling Championships this weekend in Atlantic City.

The senior Wolfpack wrestler achieved his goal and more Sunday, placing sixth overall in a highly contested weight class, which was capped by Anthony Ashnault, the state's winningest wrestler of all-time.

Matthews qualified for the championships along with team members Brandon Carcuffe and Adam Kratch, both of whom were eliminated Friday night in the tournament.

Matthews, who was the first Wolfpack wrestler in history to eclipse 100 wins for his career this season, lost in the quarterfinals Saturday, but worked his way through wrestlebacks to reach sixth place.

The 138-pounder finished the season with a total of 42 wins and 131 in his illustrious high school career. He went to states in 2012, finishing in the top-12.

The last Wolfpack wrestler to make top-8 in the state championships was Jonathan Hey in 1995.

Information contributed to this report by Lena Matthews.