ATLANTIC CITY – During the 21-hour gap between the semifinal round and the individual state wrestling championships, Sammy Spaulding had a lot of time to think.
The Camden Catholic High School junior knew his opponent, Ryan DeGeorge of Delbarton, was waiting for him at the end of the grueling three-day tournament at Boardwalk Hall. But instead of obsessing over the upcoming matchup, Spaulding took a good look around and smiled.
“I just enjoyed it and lived in the moment,” Spaulding said. “I thanked God for all that he’s blessed me with and all that He’s allowed me to do throughout my journey. I just soaked it all in, because I know one day I’m going to look back and say these were the good old days. I’m just living every second and every moment.”
Spaulding has a lot more to smile about now, as he pulled off an incredible comeback and defeated DeGeorge, 9-6, in a sudden victory to claim an individual state title at 132 pounds. Spaulding, the top seed in the bracket, didn’t cram in any last minute video study of his opponent. He relied on his training and his will to win.
“Nah, I just wanted to do my own thing,” Spaulding said. “I knew what he was capable of. I knew he was good on top, and I know a lot of guys have struggled with his neutral as well, and so did I in that match. But I knew no matter what, I just had to push the pace, keep wrestling until there was no time left and just keep trying to score the next point.”
Spaulding trailed 6-0 early and was still down 6-2 after the first period. But he evened the score with about a minute remaining in the third period to force overtime. Spaulding scored a quick takedown in the extra session and raced over to celebrate with coach Bill Heverly and assistant coach TJ Miller.
“It means everything,” Spaulding said. “I couldn’t thank my coaches, my teammates, my family, my friends, and all my supporters enough. And definitely my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has blessed me with everything.”
Spaulding’s path wasn’t easy. He navigated a tough bracket and won his last four matches in close decisions. It was a strain, not only on Spaulding, but on the emotions of the coaching staff and supporters.
“Honestly, I’m worn out,” said Heverly, who also guided the Irish to a team state championship last month. “The weekend was super eventful, and the guys all wrestled really hard. Every match was really hard-fought. Sammy had the hardest matches over and over this weekend. Me and TJ were saying, ‘I don’t have any worries left, because there’s nothing left in me.’ Being down 6-0 isn’t all that enjoyable, but you know in the back of your mind that he’s not going to give up. It made it more impressive, more dramatic and more Sammy-like.”
Camden Catholic had five wrestlers make the final podium during the tournament. In addition to Spaulding: Kage Jones placed third at 157 pounds; Michael Craft took fourth at 150; Jaden Simpson finished fourth at 175, and Dom DiGiacomo earned seventh at 113.
Four of Camden Catholic’s finalists from this year – excluding DiGiacomo, who is a senior – will be back for another season alongside many other hopefuls.
Spaulding, who has committed to study and wrestle at the United States Naval Academy after he graduates in 2026, became the ninth wrestler from Camden Catholic to win an individual state title. A few seconds after doing so, he was thrown to the mat in celebration by Miller, who won a title in 2011.
“It’s great to be there with some legends. Another [state champ], Lucas Revano, coaches me at club. “It’s great to be part of a group [who have been] iconic guys to me since I was young.”
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