Joe Cangro caps career in style with first state wrestling title for Bergen Catholic
ATLANTIC CITY — He’s no ordinary Joe.
After three years of frustrating finishes at Boardwalk Hall, Bergen Catholic senior Joe Cangro won his first state title at 138 pounds Saturday, pinning Julian George (Christian Brothers Academy) in 3:58.
“He has done everything right,” Bergen Catholic coach Dave Bell said. “He’s an incredible student. He’s an incredible kid. There is no one more deserving.”
Cangro came to Atlantic City with two third-place medals from when he was a freshman and sophomore and a second-place medal he collected last year.
The world of New Jersey wrestling is full of kids who get close to the top of the podium, but can never take the final step. Cangro never believed it was his destiny not to win.
“I knew it my heart that I could do this,” Cangro said. “Even after coming in third twice and second last year. It was just a matter of time before I could get on top. My dreams came through.”
Cangro realized that the only thing he could control was putting himself in position to succeed. He wasn’t worried about winning a state title; well, he was, but he just saw it as a process.
“You can never guarantee success,” Cangro said. “The only thing you can do is put yourself in the best position to win and I feel like I have done that since freshman year. All you can do is give yourself the best chance by doing the right thing.”
MORE WRESTLING: Complete coverage of the state championships in Atlantic City
George had beaten Cangro earlier this season, while he was still dealing with a nagging ankle injury. George was the top seed, but Cangro was ready from the start.
The Harvard-bound senior fought off an early shot by George, was able to spin his way around for control, free his head and score two just before the end of the first period.
“After he stopped that first takedown, I had a good feeling,” Bell said. “I wasn’t concerned that [George] would score on him. I could see it in Joe’s eyes. I believe that’s the best match he’s wrestled all year.”
In the second period, George went for the leg again and Cangro hit the perfect counter, rolling through and cradling George. The ref slapped the mat with two seconds left in the period.
“I’m an offensive wrestler, but at the same time I trust my defense,” Cangro said. “I am super confident when guys are down by my legs. The cradle was there. I went for it hard. I went for it tight. And I was able to get the pin.”
Cangro, a Woodland Park resident, was mobbed by teammates and friends after the match. He pointed up in the stands to his mom and his family. The emotions were genuine. Cangro was finally on the top of the podium. He finished his Bergen Catholic career 109-19.
“I built confidence even from my shortcomings,” Cangro said. “I knew I was right there. I was thrilled to take third, even though that wasn’t my goal, but every wrestler builds confidence from their shortcomings and their successes. That’s what I did. I believed in myself and I was able to do it.”
Darren Cooper is a peachy-keen high school sports columnist for NorthJersey.com. For full access to live scores, breaking news and analysis from our Varsity Aces team, subscribe today. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter and download our app.
Email: cooperd@northjersey.com
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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Joe Cangro wins 2022 state wrestling title for Bergen Catholic NJ
