Vanderplas Victorious in 215-Pound Bracket

Fairfax High School wrestler Joseph Vanderplas made his swan song one to remember. With his team hosting Saturday’s Northern Region Wrestling Championship, Vanderplas had the full support of a tightly packed Fairfax High School gym behind him.

In a fitting end to a decorated high school career, Vanderplas defeated Westfield’s Jacob Deleon in the championship’s next to last event. Vanderplas, who’s headed to Knoxville, Tenn. this upcoming fall to play baseball for the Volunteers, wrestled a competitive and energy-fueled match against Deleon for first-place honors on the 215-pound weight bracket.

The match’s first two rounds were even as both wrestlers refused to give in. However, as the final round began, a large Fairfax contingent grew loud to cheer on their final wrestler. With this momentum behind him, Vanderplas exploded, pinning Deleon with just 45 seconds left in the match.

In addition to Vanderplas, Fairfax’s Nick Lowstuter finished sixth in the 103-pound bracket.

Fairfax finished thirteenth overall with 50.50 points on the evening.