West Orange High School Wrestler Named All-American

West Orange High School senior wrestler Chris Morgan was named an All-American at the 26th National High School Coaches Association Senior Wrestling Championship (NHSCA) in Virginia Beach, Virginia, last week.

Morgan, who placed fifth in the NJSIAA Individual State Wrestling Tournament, competed in the 182 pound weight division, defeating New York State champion Jacob Woolson and Florida State champion Raekon Reggler during the event, which took place from March 27-29. Morgan, however, eventually lost in overtime.

During the event, Morgan pulled a hamstring and ultimately lost to Juan Garcia, of Danbury, Connecticut, by injury default, according to a release from West Orange Public Schools. His eighth place finish, however, still guaranteed him a spot at an All-American, receiving both a certificate and a statue.

“This is another grand accomplishment for Chris,” West Orange High School wrestling coach Stephan Zichella said in the release. “No other wrestler in the history of West Orange High School has accomplished this feat until now.”

Morgan was disappointed with the results of the event. “I really hoped to have done better,” he said. “But my hamstring is doing better and I’m getting therapy for it.”

Morgan’s father, Chris Morgan, Sr., was in attendance and understood that injuries are a part of the sport. “I’m very proud of him,” Morgan, Sr., said in the release. “It’s an honor to be an All-American. Along the way he battled it out with some of the best high school wrestlers in America, including beating two state champs. That’s not a bad weekend.”

Morgan was recently accepted into West Point Military Academy Preparatory School for the 2015-2016 school year and will complete one year at the school, after which he will receive his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Morgan will graduate from West Point after four years with a rank of Second Lieutenant.

(Photo courtesy of West Orange Public Schools)