Most of Rory O'Donnell's wrestling moves come naturally, the way they do for an experienced practitioner of the art. But during Saturday's State quarterfinal-round bout, time stood still for the St. Joseph senior: He had been brought down to the mat by Sparta's Chris DeBlock.

"I hadn't been taken down all year, and I just stopped and said, 'Wow, that kid took me down,' and then I had to do something."

DeBlock, nephew of a former State place-winner (Dan DeBlock of Manchester), actually took down O'Donnell twice, yet the bout was over quickly as O'Donnell pinned in 78 seconds to remain unbeaten. Two more wins and one day later, The Record's Male Athlete of the Week was the State champion at 140 pounds. His hard work had paid off.

"I wrestle a lot. I don't take much time off," he said. "At least three days a week [during the off-season]."

A year ago, he had placed in the State tournament, but knew there still was plenty of work to be done.

"I'm a completely different wrestler this year," he said. "I'm more solid. Last year, I was giving up a lot of points and I was giving them up all over the place, but I'd still come back and pin."

O'Donnell preferred to be more in control of his matches. And at the Olympic Wrestling Club in Waldwick, he moved onto the next stage of his athletic career. He credits the instructor there, Montclair State's former national champion, Florian Ghinea, with elevating and refining his skills.

O'Donnell could have wrestled in his hometown of Emerson for another powerhouse, the local high school, yet he chose St. Joseph.

"I wanted to wrestle on a team with [eventual State champion] Mike Massenzio and [medalist] Mike Palo," he explained after following in their footsteps.

His finishing move was a familiar one, the same one he used in the District 8 championship bout two weeks earlier. He used his opponent's forward momentum, rolling through and nailing him.

And then O'Donnell flashed the infectious grin that has made him as recognizable to wrestling followers as his takedown ability has. It is a look of self-assurance, a bit mischievous, but also hinting at genuine surprise that he has pulled off another stunning achievement. It's the look of a champion