New Jersey wrestling aficionados know Robert Howard as a three-time state finalist, winning an NJSIAA championship in 2018. But casual wrestling fans might not know Howard holds a U.S. wrestling record — he’s the only American wrestler to ever make three Cadet freestyle world teams.

Howard placed ninth in 2017 and fell short at 13th last summer, but those finishes are long by the wayside. Robert Howard, is totally geared up to win a 55 kg (121 pound) gold medal for Team USA in Sofia, Bulgaria from July 29 to August 4.

JSZ sat down with Howard and his club coach, Rich Bitetto, as he prepares for the biggest tournament of his life:

Stay tuned with Jersey Sports Zone throughout the summer as we bring you behind-the-scenes feature stories and highlight reels of the top athletes in the Garden State.