In his last crack at the PIAA Class AA Championships, Judice took on one of the toughest brackets in the tournament at 145 and weathered it on his way to his second consecutive fourth-place finish. He picked up some impressive wins – as well as impressive losses – in the process, indicating a step forward despite the repeat.

He didn’t quite add a PIAA title to the collection, falling to two of the three nationally ranked wrestlers in the bracket upon reaching the championship semifinals. But when it was all said and done, Judice felt more than fulfilled when it came to his three-year stint competing in the state.

“It hasn’t really set in yet, but I think I had a great run. I mean, look at the guys I lost to,” said Judice. “I went down to a tough bracket and knew what I was getting into, and I think I wrestled well. I beat the guys I needed to beat and really left it all out there.”

I’m happy with what I’ve been able to do in the past three years here in Pennsylvania and thankful to my parents for allowing me to wrestle in this great state,” he added.

Caden Judic of Bald Eagle Area takes a shot on Rudy Gentile of Greenville during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

As is often the case making consolation semis, Judice’s Day 3 featured two matchups against top five wrestlers in the state. His eventual third-place matchup came against returning bronze medalist Greyson Music (Bishop McDevitt), who came into the tournament ranked No. 7 in the nation at 144.

Both matches saw positives, as Judice dominated returning state medalist Mack Santoro (Saucon Valley) before giving Music a good run for his money. His third-period takedown against Music fell short of carrying into a late-match rally, but falling by 8-5 decision against one of the top wrestlers in the country showed just how much he’s come.

“I respect him a lot as an opponent. It was a great match,” said Judice.

“I gave up a takedown early, and I think that cost me. But during the match, I just kept trying to score points, close the gap and end up getting a takedown where I was in a position to possibly take a lead.”

His win against Santoro was a matter of continuing to get to his offense after taking an early lead.

Each period had a defining moment, with Judice logging a takedown in all three and almost picking up a pin in a second period that saw him score eight points. Ultimately, he was able to defeat the No. 5 ranked wrestler in the state by 15-4 major decision, bouncing back from his loss to two-time state champ Brandt Harer (Montgomery) in a big way.

“I think getting the first takedown was huge for me,” said Judice on that match. “A lot of this tournament, I’ve been kind of sitting back and waiting for stuff to happen. That match, I was like, ‘It’s my last day of wrestling in high school. I’m going to go get it.’ And I got that takedown and just kept wrestling, kept scoring.”

While some would look back on a repeat placement as bittersweet, Judice didn’t take much bitter – if any – out of his closing run at the Giant Center. From his state title at Archbishop Shaw, to his three PIAA placements as an Eagle, the senior has come a long way throughout his time wrestling in Pennsylvania, considering every step of the way an opportunity.

He wraps up his high school career with 175 combined wins and numerous postseason accolades and heads into his next step at Lock Haven more prepared than ever for his pursuit for more success and improvements. There, he’ll look to redshirt before shooting for his goal of securing a MAC title.

“I’ve made a lot of good memories, and I’m such a great wrestler now that I’ve been here and been through these battles,” said Judice. “It’s kind of crazy that it’s all over. I remember when I got seventh my first year here, so it’s surreal.”

Taking top four at states is a big deal, so I’m happy with it and now, it’s on to the next thing. I’m excited to get down to Lock Haven and get ready to wrestle in college next year.”