Delaware Valley wrestler Jaden Perez claimed fifth place at the NJSIAA state wrestling tournament in the 126 lb. division.  This is a massive accomplishment not only for Perez, but also Del Val. 

Perez was able to overcome the best competition in the state and set himself up for a phenomenal senior year.

“Of course I believed that I could reach this level in the sport,” Perez said. “You need to have high goals so that you are always working and trying to get better, which is what I have always tried to do.” 

It wasn’t just seeking a goal that empowered Perez, though. He also drew on inspiration from his family.

Using his parents’ own life stories, he was able to put in the hours and set himself up for success.

“My biggest inspiration in my life are my parents,” Perez said. “They came from nothing. Their lives were much harder as kids than mine, and they made something out of themselves when the odds were stacked against them.”

Making the top five in the state is one of the toughest tasks a high school wrestler can hope to accomplish, but Perez also expressed his goal to become a state champion next year.