'Quiet Confidence' Carries Moorestown Wrestler Into State Tourney

Fresh off a in last week’s regional wrestling tournament, Moorestown’s Thomas Forline enters this weekend's state tournament with a “quiet confidence,” according to his father.

Forline (33-4)—who was knocked out of regionals last year—took down three opponents at Robbinsville over the weekend, including a final-round victory over Hightstown’s Joey DeChristofaro, who entered the match with a 35-3 record.

“He wrestled the match of his life … He just threw (DeChristofaro) all over the mat,” Forline’s father, Joseph, said. “He’s good under pressure.”

By defeating DeChristofaro, Thomas, 17, became ’s first regional champ since 2006, Joseph said.

In so doing, Thomas exorcised last year’s stinging defeat in the regional tournament, in which he lost to Haddon Heights' Padric Lynch.

Following that loss, Thomas committed himself fully in the off-season. He trained and lifted several days a week, two to three hours a day, Joseph said, and entered multiple at-large tournaments—one a month during the summer.  

“Every day he works hard,” said coach Denny Gaul. “Last year, he took wrestling to heart. He want to all the off-season clinics. It really showed … He’s bought into the sport completely.”

Though state championship glory will have to wait until the weekend, Thomas’ impressive regional performance is already paying dividends, according to Joseph, who received emails from four schools on Monday, including Rutgers and TCNJ, interested in recruiting Thomas.

Joseph said Thomas initially had doubts about his ability to compete at the college level, but his success this year—especially in the afterglow of his regional championship—has changed his mind.

Gaul said he has absolute confidence in Thomas’ ability to continue that success in college.

“Wrestling is a sport where you can burn out pretty easily,” said Gaul. “Him coming into this four years ago, he still has that drive. He’s just hitting his stride right now.”

For his part, Thomas is reserved heading into states, according to his father. Joseph spoke on his son’s behalf, explaining Thomas was nervous about being interviewed ahead of this weekend.

“He’s downplaying it. He’s nervous. He’s saying he doesn’t stand a chance,” Joseph said. “I think he’s going to do well. I’ve seen him all year … He’s good under pressure.”

Thomas wrestles his first match of the state tournament Friday night and another Saturday morning.

Check back with Moorestown Patch Saturday for results.