J.J. Currie drops heartbreaker in 160 finals

Cape sports fans who bleed blue and gold needed a blood transfusion and to be hit with the paddles (Clear!) after the 160-pound state championship bout, where favorite athlete J.J. Currie was just about home with the title over Carter McClung of Middletown before 40 seconds of weirdness led to an overtime of disaster.

McClung is no joke, a tall and strong athlete who's not flashy and came into the tournament with a record of 45-4. But he was gone like an EZ Pass through the Dover toll plaza, trailing 5-2 with 40 seconds left when he went into hyperdrive.

Currie led the best match of the night 3-1 after two periods. McClung took bottom and got out, trailing 3-2, and focused on Currie, needing a takedown.

But Currie “best on his feet” shot and got a two-point takedown and led 5-2.

If anyone ever tried to grab a hyped and piped 160-pound adrenaline-gorged amped-up teenager, it's like putting your hands on a steel leopard.

Currie was backing away from McClung and got hit with a warning for stalling. No big deal, a second call is just a point and you're up by two. The wrestlers went out of bounds; the match appeared over with Currie the winner, but the officials signed a two-point takedown.

Coach Chris Mattioni was candid but not complaining in his comments. “I have watched and re-watched the video; both of Currie's feet were out of bounds and McClung stepped out. The match should have been blown dead out of bounds. McClung stepped back in and then Currie went to his butt.

"If McClung doesn't step out of bounds then it would have been a good call. I was in shock and don't know why I didn't question the call and at least ask the second ref to discuss it with the head official. It may not have changed anything, but I should have gone to the table and at least given J.J. some time to take it in and regain his composure.”

The overtime is 60 seconds sudden death first score. The seconds were few as Currie was hit with a second stalling call as he was backing out of bounds, which is the point that ended the match.

"That was the toughest loss in a match that I have had as a coach in 20 years at Cape,” Mattioni said.

“All in all, it was a good season, one in which we exceeded all expectations.  We graduated eight starters last year, including seven state placers and two champs. Making it to the duals two years in a row and beating CR and Central was great. It was a disappointing finish. I feel bad for J.J. Sports aren't always fair, that's for sure. He’s a great kid and he will do great things in his future.”

Currie notched his 100th career victory with his win in the semifinals.

For full coverage of the wrestling finals go to http://capegazette.villagesoup.com/p/diaa-state-wrestling-finals-an-emotional-roller-coaster/1311919?cid=440580.