Javier Moreno: Almost a state champ – already a champion (+ video)

Richland Northeast High School senior wrestler Javier Moreno puts his second-place state championship medal around Irene “Grandma Carmen” White inside the Anderson Civic Center in Anderson on Saturday.

Moreno lost 4-3 to Emerald High’s Conner Pirkle in the championship match of the 126-pound 3A division.

Moreno, who was featured earlier this year in The State newspaper, once was homeless and had to escape a chaotic family environment. Wrestling became a safe haven for him. Winning a state title was a goal.

“I told him he’s No. 1 in my book,” White said.

“He’s still our Cinderella story,” added “Cat” Crumlich, whose son Noah wrestles on the team. “Before wrestling, I don’t think he saw a future. It has given him a purpose.”

Gerry Melendez

This story was originally published February 28, 2015 at 10:18 PM with the headline "Javier Moreno: Almost a state champ – already a champion (+ video)."