By Bob Badders - Senior Staff Writer
TOMS RIVER -- Despite being the undisputed top seed for the NJSIAA Region VI bracket at 189 pounds, Brian Newman heard and read how people thought the bracket was wide open.
"In the papers and everywhere people were picking John Battista (Brick) and Billy George (Long Branch) to win and I've already beat everybody in my bracket," Newman said. "That right there was motivation."
On Saturday, the Toms River North junior defeated Battista, 9-3, to capture his first region title and complete a run through the tournament where he thoroughly handled each of his opponents. The District 24 champion won by major decision over Toms River South's Joe Birmingham in the quarterfinals and followed that up with another major decision in the semifinals against Brick Memorial's Billy Miller. In the final, Newman took Battista down four times to earn his spot on top of the medal stand.
"It's a pretty good feeling," Newman said. "I've worked very hard for it."
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