Delbarton’s Cameron Sontz is a freshman – in name only.
This 106-pound kid sure doesn’t wrestle like one.
Technically, he has the mat awareness and poise of someone much, much older than him.
That was all too obvious during a 9-1 major decision over Southern Regional’s Anthony Mason to win the 106-pound state championship at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
“He is one of the best technicians we have ever had,” coach Bryan Stoll said. “He’s special. He has a tremendous amount of talent. He’ll only get better.”
“Watch someone like Sontz wrestle, and there is no way you think he is just a freshman,” Green Wave assistant coach Guy Russo added.
Sontz has been to all of the big tournaments across the United States, but he’d never been to Boardwalk Hall for the state tournament.
It is the crown jewel for any high school wrestler in the state, which is why beating Mason was extra special. Sontz and Mason battled to a scoreless tie after the first period. Mason escaped in the second but Sontz began to assume control with a takedown. Mason was whistled for stalling to make it 3-1, before Sontz established control in the third period with an escape, a takedown and three backs with a tilt.
Sontz knew his time was coming near the end of the match.
“I saw the clock counting down from 10 and I knew I had it,” he said.
Actually, he knew he was onto something as far back as three years ago. That is when he began dreaming about being a state champion. He has been writing down High School State Champ, 106 pounds, for almost three years. He envisioned himself being a state champion every morning and every day.
That dream became reality Saturday.
“He is a silent killer,” Russo said. “His work ethic is second to none. He doesn’t say two words in practice. He does all his talking on the mat.”
Sontz walked into Delbarton’s wrestling room in the preseason and knew he was in the right place. The room was loaded with talent. All he had to do was show up and put in the work.
“Being part of this group with this kind of talent is special,” he said. “I have some of the best partners in the state.”