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Bergen Catholic Wrestling Champ Eyes Second State Title

ORADELL, N.J. — Bergen Catholic wrestler Gerard Angelo's opponents usually remain a mystery until he's on the mat.

Gerard Angelo of Bergen Catholic is going for his third state title.

Gerard Angelo of Bergen Catholic is going for his third state title.

Photo Credit: Cecilia Levine

Not this time.

The 138-pound state champion peeked at the bracket for the first time going into his third year at the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City.

"I like to wrestle the same way every time. But I like the way the bracket worked out," said Angelo, a junior, who won his first and only state title his freshman year.

Bergen Catholic's wrestling team recently won its 28th consecutive district championship and is going four years strong as New Jersey State Champions. All-star grappler Nick Suriano capped his undefeated high school career with his fourth state championship last year.

The team loaded onto the bus after school on Thursday and headed to the Atlantic City tournament.

Angelo, who placed second at Beast of the East, is hoping to get his greatest challenge out of the way in the semifinal round against Robert Cleary from Bound Brook.

The 16-year-old rehabbed a shoulder injury and feels confident that he'll take home a title.

"I attacked my way through districts and pinned my way through regions," said Angelo of East Hanover. "I'm prepared and I trained hard. I think I have what it takes."

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