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Cooper Stewart takes 5th at States

Sports. Sparta High School wrestler Cooper Stewart took 5th place at the New Jersey State Wrestling Championships this week in Atlantic City.

| 09 Mar 2020 | 04:04
    Stewart takes a breather during the aptly named Blood Round.
    Stewart takes a breather during the aptly named "Blood Round." ( Photos by Shannon Kuratli)
    An exuberant Cooper Stewart jumps into the arms of Head coach Frank Battaglia after winning a very challenging match.
    An exuberant Cooper Stewart jumps into the arms of Head coach Frank Battaglia after winning a very challenging match.
    Boardwalk Hall hosts 2020 Wrestling State Championships.
    Boardwalk Hall hosts 2020 Wrestling State Championships.
    Stewart takes over during his final match.
    Stewart takes over during his final match.
    Cooper Stewart takes 5th place in the State Wrestling Championships.
    Cooper Stewart takes 5th place in the State Wrestling Championships.
    Garret Stewart looks out at the crowd as he finishes his final wrestling match of his career.
    Garret Stewart looks out at the crowd as he finishes his final wrestling match of his career.

The best wrestlers in New Jersey converged one last time this season in Atlantic City, at iconic Boardwalk Hall last week, on March 5, 6 and 7. Among the best and ready to compete were Sparta High School brothers, Garret, Spencer and Cooper Stewart.

After 3 consecutive days of elimination rounds, Senior Cooper Stewart fought his way to the winners podium, taking 5th in the state, while his brothers Spencer and Garrett both earned a respectable top 12 spot; Garret only one win away from placing, losing in the "Blood Round." Demonstrating true brotherhood, Garret said, "Of course I wanted to be on the podium, but Cooper made it, and honestly with him placing, that feels like we all made it. I'm so happy for him."

Head coach Frank Battaglia had no regrets over this season, commenting. "The team had many exciting heart felt victories and defeats. Multiple dual meets were decided by one match. We pushed to the semis of the state tournament and built a culture of care and support for each other, which was the backbone of our success. I couldn't be more proud of this team."

As Boardwalk Hall slowly emptied, Spartan Wrestlers and their parents that made the trip to Atlantic City hugged, laughed and wiped a few tears as they exited their final wrestling meet, some for the season and some for good. While the mood was melancholy, the heart of the sport was on everyone's sleeve, with the last Spartan wrestler to exit the stadium raising his fist in the air and calling out, "Sparta!"