SUMMIT, NJ - Summit wrestling is strong and getting stronger. That was the theme of the fundraiser held Saturday by Summit Wrestling, Inc., a 501(c) 3 organization that provides funding for the Summit High School wrestling team. Summit wrestling, as described in the program for the evening, is ?where we build men with your help.?
The high school team this year included A.J. Iarrusi, who placed sixth in the state, wrestling in the 220-pound weight class and Nick Abbott, wrestling in the 132-pound weight class, who was county champion this year and district champion in his sophomore and senior years. Iarussi is bound for the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania where he was recruited to play football, and Abbott is heading to Bucknell to continue
wrestling.
After the 1994 season, funding for the Summit High School wrestling program was eliminated due to budget constraints. Into the void stepped Summit Wrestling, Inc., an organization operated fully by parents of high school and up-and-coming wrestlers. As a result, there is a strong wrestling program in Summit from the recreational level, through the middle school (which is partially funded by the board of education), to the high school. The Board of Education does provide funding for the high school wrestling coach but all ancillary costs fall under the umbrella of Summit Wrestling Team, Inc., including such costs as transportation to and fees associated with tournaments, as well as paying referees in the competitions. The organization also pays the salary of the middle school wrestling coach.
Anthony Ferrante, the head coach of the Summit High School wrestling team is proud that individuals on the team this year fared well, naming Iarussi and Abbott as standouts. He noted that the fact that wrestling is not supported by the school system negatively impacts the program. However, he feels that wrestling in Summit ?has strong roots in the community and will continue to come back strong.?
According to Jim Abbott, the treasurer of Summit Wrestling, Inc., the organization raises approximately $20,000 annually. It accomplishes this through this yearly fundraiser, through cheesecake sales, and by charging admission to wrestling matches. A goal this year is to raise $8,000 to pay for the rental of a bus to transport the team to competitions. Until then, parents will continue to carpool the wrestlers.
Trish Cassin and Beth Gramigna, co-presidents of the Summit Boosters Club, presented Summit Wrestling, Inc. with a check in the amount of $2,000. They both have children in the high school who participate in a ?myriad of sports.? The Summit Boosters Club funds several sports teams through grants. The club raises money partly through selling Summit Spirit Wear at the Hilltop Shop in downtown Summit.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by Summit Sounds. A buffet dinner was provided by La Pastaria Restaurant and its owners Lynn and Philip Angelo, whose son Philip is an 8th grade wrestler in the middle school. Philip Angelo Senior is on the board of Summit Wrestling Inc. and emceed the fundraiser.
Paul Dineen, a recreation coach in Summit, addressed the crowd and stated that ?everything positive in his life came from wrestling.? He promoted wrestling as a teaching tool that builds great kids who go on to be successful in college and beyond. According to Dineen, ?no athlete works harder than a wrestler. It is an amazing achievement to complete a wrestling season.?
The final speaker was Summit resident Clinton Matter, who was a high school All-American wrestler. This year, he mentored the high school wrestling team. Matter explained that ?wrestling is a means to an end. It alters the trajectory kids, teaching young men to be passionate about something constructively and consistently. This passion can be replicated in all areas of life.
Corporate sponsors of the event were La Pastaria Restaurant, Hilltop Burgers & Fries, Dr. Philip Delli Santi, The Grand Summit Hotel/The Hat Tavern, DeBary Inn, and the Broadway Diner. Among the raffle prizes were Yankee tickets, tailgate provisions for 25, and wrestling lessons from Iarussi and Abbott.
Source: http://thealternativepress.com/articles/summit-wrestling-inc-holds-fundraiser-to-benefi
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