Wrestling Becomes First Sport to Grab State Crown at Cambridge

Bottom Row (L-R) Dawson Brooks, Madison Cosby (trainer) Annie Jackson (trainer), Will Britain, Jalen Hammons-Jeter Middle Row: Asst. Coach Chris House, Head Coach Don St. James, Asst. Coach Michael Metz, Connor Esposito, Chris Anderson, JR Salemi, Devin Kane, Brandon Filosi, Malik McNeil Back row: CJ Rees, Eric Cizek, Luke Williams

Posted: Feb 26, 2014

On February 22, 2014, the Cambridge Men's Varsity Wrestling program won the 2013-2014 AAAAA Traditional Wrestling State Championship after only two years of existence.

To an outsider, this may seem like a short road to victory, but in order to achieve such tremendous success after only two years, the stars had to align. The school, coaches, wrestlers and families all played a critical role. Coach St. James has wrestling in his blood as he is a very accomplished wrestler who turned his passion for the sport into coaching for the last 22 years. He is dedicated to the sport and every student athlete that chooses to step into the wrestling room. His passion and dedication for the sport, the athlete and the team are undeniable. Yet in his 22 years, this is his first state championship, and it's validation for a man who has dedicated his life to the sport he loves.

Cambridge qualified 9 wrestlers for the AAAAA Traditional State Championship held at Loganville High School weeks after winning a region title. The top 16 wrestlers in the state for each weight class come together to compete all with goal of winning an individual state championship and a team title. With each passing week and each new victory, the expectations for this young Bears program increased. Every team point would matter, and every wrestler would contribute to the improbable victory over wrestling powerhouse, Pope High School, and stellar programs like Allatoona, Creekview and Woodland.

The team race was a back and forth affair leading into the semi-final round where Cambridge trailed significantly in team points. Chris Anderson, Eric Cizek, Luke Williams and Jalen Hammons-Jeter would all score critical team points in the consolation rounds, helping to put the team within striking distance of the top three teams; Allatoona, Pope and Woodland High Schools. In the championship round of the semi-finals, J.R. Salemi, Brandon Filosi, Will Britain, Devin Kane and Malik McNeil all made waves by winning and scoring bonus points as they each secured a spot in the finals. This total team effort would propel the team into second place in the team standings and put a state championship within its grasp.

At 120 pounds, JR Salemi would set the tone for the Bears, scoring a major decision and smashing his way to his second individual state title. Brandon Filosi left it all on the mat with a hard fought 5-2 victory, as the second state champion of the night would be crowned, and the Bears moved into first place in the team standings. At 138, freshman Will Britain capped a tremendous season finishing in second. At 145, Devin Kane could all but lock up a team title for the Bears with a victory, and he did not disappoint with a 6-2 decision and the third state champion of the night. Senior Malik McNeil ended a stellar career and season with a second place finish.

When the dust settled and the podiums cleared, the team scores and placements were read. "With 132 team points, your 2013-2014 AAAAA Traditional State Champions are the Bears of Cambridge High School."

Head Coach Don St. James says he is incredibly proud of these kids and their work ethic. "I am very happy for the guys. They worked hard all season, and it paid off at the end. As a team, we snuck up on a lot of people at the end because we were able to rotate the lineup throughout the season." Coach St. James believes he saved the best for last. "We finally put our strongest lineup on the mats at the end of our season."

Cambridge High School Principal Dr. Edward Spurka says he could not be more proud of the hard work Coach St. James and the student athletes have put in this year. "They have earned Cambridge High School its first team state championship and it is a credit to our wrestling program and the support from Coach Lawless as well as our parents and community. I can't wait to hang the championship banner in our gym."

Just like the coach for which they wrestle, these Bears did it in workman like fashion. Everyone doing everything that they could...every match... every point... every time.

Read the Neighbor Newspaper article on the Bears Championship HERE.

Congratulations Cambridge Wrestling....Our First Ever State Champions!!