By Bob Badders - Senior Staff Writer
TOMS RIVER -- No matter your affiliation or your interest level at the NJSIAA Region VI Tournament, when Scott Winston took to the mat for the 160-pound championship you surely had your eyes glued to the center of the Ritacco Center.
Every time Winston steps onto the mat he makes history and Saturday was no different. He put on another wrestling exhibition against Howell's Jason Ecklof with 12 takedowns for a 25-10 technical fall that gave him his third Region VI championship. In the process, he ran his career record to 133-0 and broke Jackson's all-time wins record that was held by current coach and 2001 state champion Doug Withstandley.
"It's been an interesting two weeks and I've been having the most fun I've had in my entire wrestling career," Winston said. "It's a great accomplishment to break a record held by a great coach and a great wrestler."
It has been well documented what kind of history Winston is chasing this season. If he can win the rest of his bouts he will finish his career as New Jersey's only undefeated wrestler. The kind of pressure that comes with the prospect of becoming a legend can crush even a professional athlete, but Winston has taken it all in stride.
"I just have to be smart and continue to have fun, that's my big thing," Winston said. "I'll say my prayers and God will direct me where I have to go."
Click here for more highlights of Scott Winston
Click here for more highlights of Jason Ecklof