February-Athlete of the Month

February- Zach Hertling

Zack Hertling used his versatile and unorthodox never-say-die style enroot to his first national title at “The toughest tournament in the world.” After destroying his first four opponents, Zack registered perhaps the best upset win in the entire competition. It took seven intense periods for Hertling to outlast Keshawn Hayes of Kansas City, Missouri. Hayes in a multiple time national champion who has gone unbeaten winning every major event for the last few years. Hertling proved to be his kryptonite when he scored 2 near fall points in the seventh period ride out. That is heart! In what many would consider an extreme upset, Zack’s finals win was actually more of a likelihood. Just a few weeks before the Tulsa Nationals, Hertling lost to Hayes 4-2 in the finals match at the Kickoff Classic (considered either the second or third toughest tournament for kids). After trailing 4-0, Zack won the final two minutes of the match before time ran out on him. When Hayes came off the mat crying and Zack came off fired up, we knew he was beatable. Zack stayed low, kept shooting, and didn’t give up the early first period points this time around. The strategy change worked perfectly! Next, Zack will travel to Reno, Nevada for the Reno World Championships. This is the final leg in his quest to be the overall wrestler of the year. Good luck Zack.

January-Nick Suriano

Nick Suriano put on a performance of masterful speed, strength, aggression and most importantly technique to capture his second consecutive national title in the 12-and-under division.  Although last year, nobody came close to threatening Nick’s run at a national championship, this year he was flawless.  In fact, Nick was un-scored upon throughout the entire competition.  He scored a pin in under a minute, an 18-2 technical fall, a 8-0 victory and a 6-0 win.  The only points against Nick were optional escapes.  Last year, Suriano won 15-2 in the final match against Jabari Moody, a multiple time national champion.

Shane Griffith

Shane wrestled in the Hudson Valley Challenge this month.  He won the middle school division despite only being in fifth grade!  In his round robin Shane beat two state place finishers.  Including a multiple time New York State Champion in the finals.  He also didn’t miss a practice all month.  Congratulations Shane!

August Athlete of the Month

Chris Lantz

This month Chris won three tournaments posting a 9-0 record.  He recorded three pins in an average time of 1:50.  In matches not ending in a fall he recorded three technical falls and outscored his opponents 48-3.

Chris is an incoming Senior at Bloomfield High School.  He was a NJ State Qualifier this past season.

Great job Chris!

July 2009 Athlete of the Month

Garrett Beam

The July ‘Athlete of the month’ is Garrett Beam.  Last month Garrett won the Northeast Freestlye and Greco-Roman Championships.  He also placed 4th at the ASCIS USAW Greco-Roman National Championships and 3rd at the ASICS USAW Freestlye National Championships.  Congratulations Garrett.