Darren Rabonowitz (top left) is pictured with Carl Riccio. Carl was at the tournament watching his two brothers, Shane and Tyler. As most of you remember, Darren and Carl were in Morristown Memorial at the same time three years ago when they both had their wrestling accident. Darren has never forgotten Carl, and last October entered a 5K Race in Berkely Heights and asked people to sponsor him. All the proceeds that he raised went to support the Carl Riccio Foundation. Today, Darren finally had the opportunity to meet Carl face to face. Carl is an amazing young man who has just finished his 2nd year at Villanova where he is studying Finance. Carl warmed up to Darren and came into the gym where the Juniors and Intermediates were to watch Darren wrestle his last match of the day (I think that Darren really wanted to win that one for Carl). In loosing, Carl gave Darren some pointers and reminded Darren that his time will come next year when he will be the 8th grader..."the big guy on the mat". Click to enlarge the picture.

Mo-Town Grapplers Darren Rabinowitz and Gordie Pierce (bottom left) at the Great 8 Tournament the weekend of June 24th. Click to enlarge.

The "Great 8" Tournament, Holmdel was a long and tough tournament. There were no other tournaments in New Jersey this weekend, so this one brought out the best. There were no average wrestlers in the Youth or HS division.

Gordie Pierce wrestled well but unfortunately came up against two wrestlers that were technically sound.

Darren Rabinowitz placed third, but was beaten badly in his last match by a kid that was very strong, from the Scorpians Wrestling Club in Paterson.

Justin Burroughs wrestled at 141 lbs. and took 3rd.

A huge thanks to Coach Dan Corcoran who gave up his Saturday (albeit a rainy one) to coach our kids in a hot sweaty gym for 5 hours.