On Dec. 31, 2024, we hosted our 6th Annual New Year's Eve Novice Wrestling Tournament...and WHAT A DAY IT WAS!

To kick-off the event, FYC Board President, Jeff Russo, announced the creation of the "John Marfia, Jr. Wrestling Service Award" by Mr. Marfia's devoted wife, MaryAnn (Russo) Marfia. For several weeks, Mrs. Marfia worked with the FYC Leadership Team to create a recognition opportunity in memory of her late husband, legendary wrestler and coach, John Marfia, Jr. The goal was to recognize a selfless community member who exhibits overwhelming service in the sport of wrestling despite having to navigate personal challenges. A person with the grit, perserverance, determination, kindness, and work ethic that John exhibited through every aspect of his life.

Mr. Marfia was a standout wrestler and coach. A few of his outstanding wrestling achievements include: 2x Conference Champion; 2nd and 5th in NCAA Small College Nationals; 2x All American; inducted into Wilkes University & PIAA District XI Hall of Fame; and recognized as the best wrestler in his weight class by Wilkes University. He went on to coach at Wilkes University, Randolph High School, and Allentown Central Catholic. However, Mrs. Marfia shared, “John did not define himself by accomplishments or status, but rather, by how much he helped others.”

Mrs. Marfia noted the many qualities that aligned with her late husband’s when she heard of a local 7th grader, Stephon Vereen.
Not only is Stephon a rising wrestling stand-out, but he has already dedicated a phenomenal number of hours to those learning the sport of wrestling via Coach Garriques' FYC Wrestling Club and Steele Hill's Novice Program. After moving up to the Line Club 7th/8th Grade Team this year, Stephon continues to return to Steele Hill practices and matches whenever his schedule permits. It’s not uncommon to see Stephon at Steele Hill matches, in a coaches uniform, mat-side, encouraging, teaching, and modeling service and leadership to all the impressionable youth surrounding him.
In a letter to Stephon, Mrs. Marfia shared, “Life has presented you challenges from a young age. You’ve overcome much adversity and, like John, you use challenges to propel you further down the right path. You have grit, resilience, and an incredible work ethic. No matter what obstacles come in life, these qualities will always help you persevere. Your future is so bright, Stephon, and I am grateful your service was brought to my attention. You are an inspiration and completely worthy of recognition. It gives me great pride to reward you with the inaugural John Marfia, Jr. Wrestling Service Award.”

In front of 200+ attendees and 102 Novice wrestlers, Mrs. Marfia presented Stephon with the inaugural John Marfia, Jr. Wrestling Service Award plaque, as well as a donation to his youth sports organization in his name.
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President Russo shared, “Volunteerism is absolutely essential to sustaining youth athletics. Appreciating and recognizing those who give back to our community is a cornerstone to preserving equitable access to opportunities for our Phillipsburg youth. It gives me great pride to start the tradition of presenting the John Marfia, Jr. Wrestling Service Award here at the Firth Youth Center’s New Years Eve Novice Tournament.”
On behalf of the FYC and Steele Hill Youth Organization, Congratulations Stephon! Well deserved!

The NYE Novice Tournament then kicked-off where...
102 young, eager, beginner wrestlers registered in 28 brackets based on age and weight. This event is designed for wrestlers in their first or second year and is an opportunity for them to show off their newly learned techniques on the "big stage" against opponents of similar skill levels.
89 medals were distributed while family members were able to snap pictures of their youngsters on the podium.
28 volunteers aided in the success of the day, like...
Tim Burger, who came the day prior and as the sun rose to map our parking in our adjacent field, plus helped with medal distribution after coaching his Steele Hill wrestlers! His son, Carson, also helped with admission and medals while his wife, Dana, snapped 100+ photos of the day's event!
Dana & Jordan, who seamlessly organize our registration check-in every year since the tournament started!
Tim Flynn, Mike Darmstadt, and the 20+ P'burg 7th/8th Grade Wrestling Team Members, who not only aid with the massive clean-up, but also run all the mat tables throughout the day.
Community members, Rob Stettner, Nick Stettner, Gabby, Jessica Regemann, Rick Sheedy, and Ray Patt, who helped with parking, concessions, and set-up and anything else we needed!
Lastly, HUGE thanks to Tim Longacre, Neil Day, & Yvette Day. The masterminds behind the tournament since its inception in 2017. From ordering medals, increasing efficiency, aligning volunteers, bracketing, finding referees, donating supplies, and day-of execution--they do it all... together! When the FYC was navigating some choppy waters 7 years ago, they stepped up to donate their time and efforts to run a fundraiser. The New Years Eve Novice Tournament was born from that conversation and has since been the highest single-day fundraising event to help sustain the FYC! On behalf of the Board of Directors and Leadership Team, we cannot thank you all enough!

And, one more time, thank you to the 2024 event sponsors:
IRCO Credit Union, Easton Lions Club, and Mr. Mike Weirsky

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