The offseason was difficult for West Essex junior Reid Clausi.

Losing in the blood round at the NJSIAA State Championships can drive a wrestler mad, and Clausi found himself consumed by the fact that he finished his sophomore year one victory short of a state medal.

“It was really hard on me. I was really upset when I lost,” Clausi said.

The chip on Clausi’s shoulder has remained with him since last March, fueling his desire to find a way to win one more match in Atlantic City. Despite his frustration, he never wavered in his belief that he was right there with the state’s best. It took just one tournament to prove himself right.

Clausi scored the biggest victory of his career when he defeated Point Pleasant Boro two-time state medalist Jake Clayton, 4-2, to win the 165-pound champions

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