Kendrick High School honors state champion wrestler RJ Rivera

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) -Kendrick High School held a special celebration Tuesday for state champion wrestler Jariell “RJ” Rivera, who completed a perfect 43-0 record this season.

Rivera won the GHSA state title in the 2A, 144 weight class, capping an undefeated season for the Cherokee Senior.

The school honored Rivera with a celebration in the gymnasium, attended by hundreds of students and featuring banners recognizing the state champion wrestler.

“It means everything to me,” Rivera said. “These people here are just like my family. We’ve been together through everything — teams, individual tournaments. Everybody has supported me through this whole journey. This sport gets you ready for life. I’m just going to carry this with me forever.”

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