Rumson-Fair Haven state champion Sonny Amato has committed to wrestle in-state at Rutgers University. RICH CHRAMPANIS
By Rich Chrampanis
RUMSON – Sonny Amato changed his college plans when he decommitted from the University of Iowa in August. The two-time state champion from Rumson-Fair Haven has verbally committed to continue his college career at Rutgers University. Following a weekend visit on campus, Amato made the announcement official in an Instagram post.
“Excited to announce my commitment to Rutgers University,” Amato said. “I couldn’t put into words the trials I’ve dealt with over the summer. Thank you to my family and the Lord for helping me keep my faith. And to my brothers whether by blood or by having my back, you have been with me through it all and I wouldn’t be the man I am today without you boys. Wrestling is a lonely sport that can take you to a dark place. The hardest battle any athlete can face is his mind and I’ve learned so much from my time wrestling. Excited for the future, excited for titles, and excited to be a Scarlet Knight.”
Amato enters his senior season as one of the nation’s best wrestlers, currently ranked No. 3 nationally at 150 pounds by FloWrestling. He owns a 122-6 high school record, with only one loss coming against an NJSIAA opponent.
The RFH senior won his first state championship at 144 pounds as a freshman in 2024 and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. He was upset in his sophomore year and finished third overall but reclaimed the top spot in 2026, shutting out his final three opponents and defeating Delbarton’s Nicholas Schwartz 8-0 in the 150-pound final. He is RFH’s first two-time individual state champion and has helped the Bulldogs capture three consecutive Group 2 team championships.
Four-time state champion Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney, who had his last state title stripped by the NJSIAA, is set to begin his college career at Rutgers this fall. Knox and the NJSIAA mutually agreed to terminate civil suit proceedings.
This article originally appeared in the September 17-23, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times
