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Mahwah School's Wrestlers Place At Nationals

MAHWAH, N.J.– Two local wrestlers who train at Mahwah's Apex Wrestling School captured titles at the NHSCA National Wrestling Championships in Virginia Beach on Sunday.

In two months, Kyle Cochran (white shirt) earned both state and national wrestling titles

In two months, Kyle Cochran (white shirt) earned both state and national wrestling titles

Photo Credit: Kerry Cochran
Champion Kyle Cochran stakes his claim as the top junior wrestler at his weight class

Champion Kyle Cochran stakes his claim as the top junior wrestler at his weight class

Photo Credit: Kerry Cochran
New Jersey wrestlers had a great showing in the NHSCA National Wrestling Championships in Virginia Beach

New Jersey wrestlers had a great showing in the NHSCA National Wrestling Championships in Virginia Beach

Photo Credit: Facebook

The tournament showcases the country's top middle and high school wrestlers.

In the 160-pound junior finals, Paramus' Kyle Cochran defeated Travis Stefanik (PA) in an ultimate overtime tie-breaker

Cochran avenged a one-point loss to Stefanik in the Beast of the East Tournament. 

"It feels amazing. There's a lot of relief because of all the hard work I put in," Cochran told Daily Voice. 

This is his second major title in less than two months after winning an NJSIAA state championship

"I'm confident, but humble," Cochran said.Meanwhile, Michael O'Malley, a state runner up from Hasbrouck Heights, pinned Mason Smith (KY) in 1:54 in the 145-pound sophomore finals. 

Fourteen Apex wrestlers earned All-America status. All competitors from the school won their opening round matches. Thirteen of them advanced to their respective quarterfinals. 

Apex is owned by former St. Joseph's Regional (Montvale) standout Damion Logan.

Logan of Garfield was a three-time NJSIAA state champion and four-time finalist. He wrestled at the University of Michigan, earning All-America honors twice. 

"I really try to absorb [Logan's teaching]," Cochran said. 

Fellow former Green Knight Erik Norgaard is also a coach and co-owner. The Leonia native won his lone NJSIAA title in 2000 before a four-year career at Columbia University. 

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