On Dec. 31st, we hosted our 7th Annual New Years Eve Novice Wrestling Tournament...
and WHAT A DAY IT WAS!
To kick-off the event, FYC Board President Russo presented the John Marfia, Jr. Wrestling Service Award, created by Mr. Marfia's devoted wife, MaryAnn (Russo) Marfia. In 2024, Mrs. Marfia worked with the FYC Leadership Team to create an annual recognition opportunity in memory of her late husband, legendary wrestler and coach, John Marfia, Jr. The goal is to recognize a selfless community member who exhibits overwhelming service in the sport of wrestling. A person with the same grit, perseverance, 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 PHS Junior, Owen Garriques.
Not only is Owen a wrestling stand-out for the Stateliners, but he has already dedicated a phenomenal number of hours to those learning the sport of wrestling via the FYC Wrestling Club. Ever since he could help younger wrestlers learn and hone new skills, Owen has showed up to nearly all FYC Wrestling Club practices for the past 5 summers. He encourages, teaches, and models service and leadership to all impressionable youth who surround him.
In front of 250+ attendees and 131 Novice wrestlers, Mrs. Marfia presented Owen with the John Marfia, Jr. Wrestling Service Award plaque, as well as a donation to his youth sports organization in his name!
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 present the second annual John Marfia, Jr. Wrestling Service Award at the Firth Youth Center’s New Years Eve Novice Tournament to Owen Garriques.”
Congratulations, Owen!
The NYE Novice Tournament then kicked-off where...
131 young, eager, beginner wrestlers registered in 33 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!
125 medals were distributed while family members were able to snap pictures of their youngsters on the podium!
30 volunteers aided in the success of the day, like...
Tim Burger, who came the day prior in the blistering cold to map out parking in our adjacent field!
Dana & Jordan, who seamlessly organize our registration check-in each year since the tournament began!
Easton Baking Co. for donating dozens of fresh donuts and bakery pizza for our concession stand!
Coach Longacre and the PHS Wrestling Team + Coach Flynn and the 7th/8th Grade Liner Wrestling Team, who ran the mat tables all day, plus helped with clean-up and anything else that was needed!
Community members, Ray Patt and Sean Tipton, who helped with parking, concessions, and clean-up!
Lastly, HUGE thanks to Tim Longacre, Neil Day, & Yvette Day. The masterminds behind the tournament since its inception. 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 8 years ago, they stepped up to donate their time and efforts to run a fundraiser. The New Year's 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 WHAT A DAY IT WAS!
To kick-off the event, FYC Board President Russo presented the John Marfia, Jr. Wrestling Service Award, created by Mr. Marfia's devoted wife, MaryAnn (Russo) Marfia. In 2024, Mrs. Marfia worked with the FYC Leadership Team to create an annual recognition opportunity in memory of her late husband, legendary wrestler and coach, John Marfia, Jr. The goal is to recognize a selfless community member who exhibits overwhelming service in the sport of wrestling. A person with the same grit, perseverance, 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 PHS Junior, Owen Garriques.
Not only is Owen a wrestling stand-out for the Stateliners, but he has already dedicated a phenomenal number of hours to those learning the sport of wrestling via the FYC Wrestling Club. Ever since he could help younger wrestlers learn and hone new skills, Owen has showed up to nearly all FYC Wrestling Club practices for the past 5 summers. He encourages, teaches, and models service and leadership to all impressionable youth who surround him.
In front of 250+ attendees and 131 Novice wrestlers, Mrs. Marfia presented Owen with the John Marfia, Jr. Wrestling Service Award plaque, as well as a donation to his youth sports organization in his name!
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 present the second annual John Marfia, Jr. Wrestling Service Award at the Firth Youth Center’s New Years Eve Novice Tournament to Owen Garriques.”
Congratulations, Owen!
The NYE Novice Tournament then kicked-off where...
131 young, eager, beginner wrestlers registered in 33 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!
125 medals were distributed while family members were able to snap pictures of their youngsters on the podium!
30 volunteers aided in the success of the day, like...
Tim Burger, who came the day prior in the blistering cold to map out parking in our adjacent field!
Dana & Jordan, who seamlessly organize our registration check-in each year since the tournament began!
Easton Baking Co. for donating dozens of fresh donuts and bakery pizza for our concession stand!
Coach Longacre and the PHS Wrestling Team + Coach Flynn and the 7th/8th Grade Liner Wrestling Team, who ran the mat tables all day, plus helped with clean-up and anything else that was needed!
Community members, Ray Patt and Sean Tipton, who helped with parking, concessions, and clean-up!
Lastly, HUGE thanks to Tim Longacre, Neil Day, & Yvette Day. The masterminds behind the tournament since its inception. 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 8 years ago, they stepped up to donate their time and efforts to run a fundraiser. The New Year's 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!
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2025 TOURNAMENT PREMIERE SPONSOR: MCWANE DUCTILE
Interested in sponsoring future NYE Novice Wrestling Tournaments? Please contact:
Kelly Post-Sheedy, Executive Director
[email protected] or 908-454-7281
Kelly Post-Sheedy, Executive Director
[email protected] or 908-454-7281