Athletics Expanding with Wrestling, Knights Field

For more than a month, about a dozen FA scholars have been staying after school to learn new skills and work hard. But this time, we’re not talking about academics – we’re talking wrestling.

EJ Nemeth, who teaches gym K-8 at FA, is also head wrestling coach at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville. Recently, he teamed up with FA Athletic Director Chris Torino and the Bethea family of Trenton to enable our scholars in grades 3-8 to participate in the Trenton Youth Wrestling program.

TYW supplies the mats, headgear, shoes, singlets, and coaching, Coach Nemeth said. “All our kids have to do is show up.”

TYW is affiliated with the U.S. Olympic Committee through membership in USA Wrestling. TYW coaches come to FA twice a week to train our scholars and nurture the ideas of citizenship, competitive greatness and scholar athleticism. 

Ray Bethea, TYW director of operations, said Trenton Youth Wrestling focuses on promoting and developing three values:

• Character - being a person of integrity who makes the right choices
• Commitment - giving full effort regardless of circumstances
• Community - caring for teammates, classmates, friends, and those around you.

“We seek to teach life skills that will help our wrestlers to be prepared for success in wrestling, the classroom and life,” Mr. Bethea said. “Wrestling helps promote and improve academic achievement, and builds confidence in individuals.”

Coach Nemeth agrees. Encouraging our scholars to try something new, be active and learn life lessons is the goal.

“Wrestling is one the most demanding things a person can do in their life--it requires sacrifice, determination, and perseverance; amongst many other attributes,” he said. “The lessons learned through this sport, both in practice and in competition, are invaluable.”