Highland's Clark competing for another state title

There isn't anything that would keep Highland senior wrestler Joshua Clark from sticking to the promises he made. Not even the opportunities that come with earning top achievements in another sport this past fall, such as the cross-country Group 3 championship and the NJSIAA Meet of Champions individual state title.

Clark set in his mind to reach 100 career wins on the mat, establishing that goal when he was just 4 years old and peering at the Highland wrestling wall of fame. Another commitment was made to his team in his freshman year.

Both would require the dual-sport star to return for his final season of wrestling. It wasn't even a question.

"Even though I got really good at running [cross-country] this year, I wasn't going to let anything stand in my way of that," Clark said of his wrestling goals. "I couldn't just walk out on [my team] because I got good at another sport."

The 138-pounder reached his long-standing goal of hitting the century mark in victories at last weekend's NJSIAA District 30 tournament. He picked up wins No. 100 and 101 on the way to his third career district title and the fourth straight championship for Highland.

"Not to mention he's been our pin leader for numerous years," Highland coach Mike Davidson said. Clark "is one of those kids who sets goals and goes after them. He gets set in his head. Once the whistle blows, the rest takes care of itself."

Clark (23-1) still has a few objectives left: the first comes Friday in the Region 8 tournament, in which he's the No. 2 seed.

He will certainly be unique among the wrestlers at regionals, and not just because of his uncommon 6-foot-1 stature. Clark is the only high school athlete in state history to achieve both a cross-country Meet of Champions title and 100 career wrestling wins.

The senior gives a lot of credit for his running success to the support around him. Clark's uncle got him into the sport many years ago, and his former coach, Brian Colbert, was "instrumental" in developing his work ethic before high school.

"Nothing comes easy in life. My parents taught me that, too," Clark said.

A trio of wins at regionals this weekend will advance Clark to the wrestling state tournament, at which he has not yet placed. But he likes the sound of being the best in the state in two sports.

"I feel like that would be a pretty good year for me," Clark said with a laugh.