PHS senior wrestler earns 30th win
By Bob Nuse, Sports Editor
It looked like Tim Miranda’s high school wrestling career was going to end the way most careers end — with a loss in the post-season.
But instead, the Princeton High senior got one last chance to take to the mat and came away with a win in his final match.
Miranda competed for a team comprised of senior wrestlers from District 5 in the Delaware Valley Wrestling Officials All-Star Challenge that took place on March 14 at Neshaminy High School.
In what turned out to be his final high school bout, Miranda picked up his 30th win of the season when he defeated Micah Haynes of Council Rock North in overtime.
”I was excited to get the chance to go,” Miranda said. “I got to wrestle a kid from Council Rock North and won in overtime. It was a while after my last match but running track kept me in good shape and I was able to get out on the mat a few times.
”There were kids from Piscataway and Somerville who are all real good wrestlers. We had a good group of wrestlers.”
Miranda was selected by virtue of being one of the top seniors to compete in Region 5. The chance to get out on the mat and pick up a win to cap his high school career was rewarding.
”I was pretty happy with my season and to get to 30 wins was a nice accomplishment.” Miranda said. “It was good to end the season with a win after losing in the districts. You don’t want your last memory to be a loss.
”It was nice to be matched up against a guy who is also an all-star. It wasn’t as grinding as a regular season match. It was a lot more technical. You want to make sure you don’t look bad in front of everybody when you are representing Princeton and Mercer County.”
Miranda is the first PHS wrestler to compete in the event since current coach Rashone Johnson took over as the head coach.
”It was for seniors and they needed a 113,” Johnson said. “Tim was one of the best seniors in our region at 113 even though he wrestled 120 at the tournament. They needed somebody for 113.
”By him wrestling that was his 30th win which was the most I have had in my years as head coach.”

