Boys Athlete of the Week: Christian Barber

It’s been awhile since a Westfield High School wrestler reached 100 wins. The last to do it was Corey Posey, who finished with 117 in an outstanding scholastic career that ended in 1996 with a third place finish at 152 pounds in the state tournament.

Westfield unbeaten 152-pounder Christian Barber is hoping to do two places better and become the Blue Devils’ first state champ since 1976.

Barber is tied with former Westfield High star Chris Jordan with 99 career wins and should get it Saturday morning when the Blue Devils host Somerville, Monroe and Randolph in a quad meet.

Barber, 29-0 for the season, and 99-23 for his career, is this week’s Westfield Patch Male Athlete of the Week.

Barber scored a technical fall over Morristown junior Desmond Towns Tuesday to help the Blue Devils improve their dual meet record to 15-4.

“He’s done everything right,’’ said Westfield coach Glen Kurz. “He’s right on track. His goal has been a state champ.’’

Barber will be after his third District 11 title next weekend. He has won Union County, Roselle Park and Nutley Tournament titles so far this winter. Two weeks ago, he beat Brick Township senior Conor Brennan 5-3 at the annual All Star Meet at Brick Memorial High. Brennan, 25-1, won has gone 4-0 since that loss with two major decisions, a technical fall and fall.

“Christian has had some quality wins,’’ Kurz said. “We feel like he will finish off strong. He has to feel confident going into the districts.’’

Westfield has had 11 state wrestling champions, the last being Chuck Cosenza at 148 pounds in 1976. Barber could also be Westfield’s first state place winner since 1998 when Onur Tezucar placed fifth at 145 pounds. But Barber is hoping for more – much more.