He didn’t grow up wrestling. He didn’t start early. And he still made the state finals.

Paulsboro standout Will Cruz joins New Jersey Mat Chat to break down his journey from starting the sport in 7th grade to becoming one of the top wrestlers in New Jersey.

We talk about wrestling up for the team, dealing with losses at districts and regions, earning the #1 seed at states, and making a run to the state finals — all while learning how to handle pressure, setbacks, and expectations.

This episode is about growth, mindset, and what it really takes to climb in NJ wrestling.

If you’re a wrestler, parent, or coach — this is one you need to hear.

🤼‍♂️ Paulsboro Wrestling

🎯 State Finals Run

📍 Built in New Jersey

00:00 – Show Open & NJ Officials PSA

00:46 – Meet Will Cruz | Paulsboro Wrestling

01:00 – From Brooklyn to Paulsboro (No Wrestling Background)

01:40 – Starting Wrestling Late (7th Grade Story)

02:30 – First Coach Impact & Learning the Hard Way

03:20 – Life at Paulsboro HS (Small School Culture)

04:20 – Why He Chose Wrestling Over Soccer

05:00 – Freshman Year Struggles & Getting Tougher

06:10 – Building a Name Early in NJ Wrestling

07:00 – Fargo, Freestyle & Rapid Improvement

07:50 – “I Told Myself I Had to Win a State Title”

08:40 – Wrestling Up a Weight for the Team

09:30 – Fighting Through Injury & Being Sick at States

10:30 – District Loss → Reset Mindset

11:10 – Region Loss → “Next Week Is a New Tournament”

12:00 – Adjusting Training Before States

12:50 – Getting the #1 Seed (Unexpected Reaction)

13:40 – Why He Doesn’t Look at Brackets

14:20 – Mindset Shift: “You’re Will Cruz”

15:00 – State Semifinal Pin (Breakthrough Moment)

16:00 – Night Before Finals (No Weight Cut Stress)

16:50 – Sister Also Makes State Finals (Family Moment)

17:30 – State Finals Match Breakdown

18:20 – The Moment He Felt Overwhelmed

19:00 – Post-Match Emotion & Disappointment

20:00 – The Ride Home From Atlantic City

21:00 – Coaches’ Message: “You Got Next Year”

22:00 – Goals for Next Season (State Title Mindset)

22:40 – Wrestling Style Inspiration (Japan & Burroughs)

23:30 – College Goals & Virginia Tech Interest

24:10 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next