Paramus' Nick Suriano Wins National Wrestling Championship

PARAMUS, NJ — Nick Suriano made another mark on the wrestling world Saturday.

Maybe his biggest mark yet.

Suriano made history, winning the 133-pound national wrestling championship for Rutgers University at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship.

Suriano defeated No.1 seed Daton Fix in overtime to win the title.

"I am blessed," Suriano told Rutgers after he won. "It's an honor to bring history to Rutgers where it belongs. It's an honor and a blessing. I heard [Coach] Goodale yell, and it made me so happy, man. Honestly, when I heard Coach Goodale yell and cheer me on, it was a dream."

This postseason, Suriano, a junior, defeated the three opponents who beat him during the regular season: Austin DeSanto and Stephan Micic and Fix this weekend.

Suriano was ranked for part of the season as the No.1 wrestler in his 133-pound weight class. He transferred to Rutgers as a sophomore following one season at Penn State.

Suriano had one of the greatest high school careers in New Jersey history.

He earned four state championships at Bergen Catholic High School on his way to a perfect 159-0 record. He also helped Bergen Catholic win four team national championships.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com