By Bob Badders - Senior Staff Writer
ATLANTIC CITY -- Up 7-5 late in the third period, it looked like Toms River East junior Vinnie DelleFave was on his way to his first state championship. But Camden Catholic's Taylor Walsh was able to take him down in the closing seconds to force overtime. DelleFave knew he had to regroup quickly.
"You only have a couple seconds to get over it," DelleFave said. "I was kind of taking him down at will but I stopped wrestling."
In overtime, DelleFave shook off the cobwebs and took down Walsh to win the NJSIAA 119-pound title, 9-7, at Boardwalk Hall.
"I kept my composure and I knew what I had to do," DelleFave said.
DelleFave has been on the cusp of a state title since his freshman year when he finished second to Northern Highland's Fred Santaite. Last season he suffered a loss on the first day of the state tournament but was able to wrestle back for third. DelleFave didn't want another disappointment this time and certainly didn't want to keep falling further down on the medal stand.
"This feels good, definitely better than the firs two years," DelleFave said. "We've only had four previous champions at out school so it's a good feeling to be up there with all the great wrestlers we've had."
In three seasons of state tournament wrestling, DelleFave is now 12-2. The experience of competing with the state's best for two years prior was a big factor is his state championship run.
"You learn how to win down here," DelleFave said.
The pressure of being the top seed in the tournament did not both the even-keeled junior, either.
"Some kids like it and some hate it," said DelleFave of having a target on his back. "It doesn't really bother me."
DelleFave finishes with a 43-0 record and is now 107-6 in three seasons. After advancing to the final with a semifinal win on Saturday, which is a big accomplishment in itself, DelleFave was quick to note his mission was not complete. On Sunday afternoon, he could finally enjoy the fruits of his labor.
"Now," DelleFave said. "Right now I'm satisfied."
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