Southern’s Nick O’Connell Ends Wrestling Career as State Runner-up

Sometimes, dreams come true. Other times, they come partly true.

When Nick O’Connell carried the 152-pound weight-class sign to lead its state placewinners during the annual “Parade of Champions” inside Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on March 2, one part of his childhood dream had, at last, arrived.

After stepping onto the mat for the 152-pound title bout of the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships, the Southern Regional senior planned to make the other part of that dream a reality.

“It was a big deal,” he said. “That’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid.