Hayden Hochstrasser, 7, of Manahawkin is following in his father’s footsteps as a wrestling champion. The boy, who has been wrestling only a year and a half with Mat Warriors Youth Wrestling Club in Manahawkin, recently took first place at the New Jersey State Championships, held in Pitman in March, where he also won the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award. He also took second in the War at the Shore National Folkstyle Tournament, held at the Wildwoods Convention Center in April.

“He really should have won that one, but it was his first time on a stage like that.