Wrestlers say there's nothing like winning a state title.
Unless it's winning two state titles.
Or three.
T.J. Miller knows about the first of those accomplishments and could open Door No. 2 and Door No. 3 before the end of his career at Camden Catholic.
The 145-pound junior will begin pursuit of his second state title when individual competition begins at 32 district sites on Friday.
"I think it might be tougher to repeat than to win the first one," Miller said after leading Camden Catholic to its ninth consecutive team state title Sunday at the Pine Belt Arena in Toms River.
Miller went 43-0 as a sophomore, powering through the 135-pound weight class at the state tournament last March at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
He remembers the roar of the crowd of 11,000-plus spectators, the bright lights in the big building, the sense of accomplishment and relief.
"It had been a dream of mine for such a long time," Miller said. "I couldn't believe that it was real, that it was actually happening for me."
With the start of district competition, Miller is looking at another three-weekend-drive to another state championship. But he suspects this road will be steeper than the last.
"I've got a lot of good guys in my weight class," Miller said. "I know how tough it's going to be. But when you beat a good kid, that's the best feeling."
Camden Catholic coach Ryan McCormick thinks that Miller's status as a defending state champion - as the Wrestler to Beat in his weight class - will serve only to motivate him further.
"I think he likes the fact that everybody is out to get him," McCormick said. "He looks forward to the challenge of proving he's the best."
Miller has a 30-1 record this season. But McCormick thinks Miller's only loss might have been the key to his season.
Miller lost a 5-4 decision to 2011 Pennsylvania state champion Mike Racciato of Pen Argyl (Pa.) Area High School at the Bethlehem (Pa.) Holiday Classic in late December.
Racciato is 36-1 this season, with his only loss at the Beast of the East tournament at the University of Delaware in December.
"I think that refocused him," McCormick said of Miller. "He hates to lose, but he handled the loss very well. He came back stronger than ever."
Miller is 22-0 since the loss. He has scored bonus points in all 22 wins - 16 pins, three forfeits, two major decisions, and a technical fall. He has wrestled into the third period just three times.
