Isaiah Sweeney
May 7, 2025
Anthony Knox, Jayden James, and Paul Kenny lead New Jersey's charge on the national stage at the 2025 U.S. Open
May 17, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV
New Jersey's high school wrestling talent was on full display at the 2025 U.S. Open Wrestling Championships, with standout performances from Anthony Knox, Jayden James, and Paul Kenny.
Anthony Knox (St. John Vianney) – U20 61 kg Champion
Anthony Knox, a senior from St. John Vianney High School, captured the U20 national title at 61 kg. His dominant performance throughout the tournament earned him a spot at the 2025 Final X event in Newark, New Jersey, where he will compete for a place on the U.S. World Team.
Jayden James (Delbarton School) – U17 71 kg Champion
Jayden James, a junior at Delbarton School, secured the U17 national title at 71 kg. In the best-of-three finals, James won the first match by technical fall and the second by a 3-1 decision, earning a spot on the U.S. U17 World Team.
Paul Kenny (Christian Brothers Academy) – U17 60 kg Runner-Up
Paul Kenny, a sophomore from Christian Brothers Academy, advanced to the finals in the U17 60 kg division. He faced Ashton Besmer in the finals, where he was defeated with scores of 6-1 and a technical fall of 12-0, earning the runner-up position.
These achievements underscore the depth of wrestling talent in New Jersey and highlight the state's significant presence on the national stage. As these athletes prepare for upcoming events like Final X and international competitions, their performances continue to inspire and elevate the profile of high school wrestling in the Garden State.