By Ashley McKenna '15

Ewing, NJ… This isn't just any match. This is an event that has the whole school talking.

Get ready to see The College of New Jersey wrestling team set the stage and have spectators on their feet as they take the mat under the spotlight!

On Friday, February 7 at 6:45 p.m., #25 TCNJ Wrestling will be matched-up against #9 Wilkes University in Packer Hall.

Unlike previous matches, TCNJ is creating a different atmosphere – a new experience that will intensify the excitement. The Lions plan to fill Packer Hall to its capacity at 688 spectators, something that has not been done for decades.

"We've never gotten all crazy about a match like this before," said All-American and senior Brian Broderick (Manahawkin, NJ/Southern Regional), who is looking forward to Friday's bout which is also "Alumni Night."

With a critical match against Wilkes that will test their mettle right around the corner, Lion wrestlers are not foreign to big-time competition. They have knocked off three, higher-ranked opponents this season, and last year, TCNJ suited up against #3 Centenary College at home and stunned the Cyclones with a 21-17 victory.

"I take rankings with a grain of salt, both team and individually," said Broderick.

The All-American engineering major added that nothing is ever set in stone. "It's definitely going to be a tough match and we will need all ten guys. This has to be a team effort."

The Lions are taking that team approach to promote the Wilkes bout, initially through its bi-monthly newsletter, which goes to over 750 people with a special emphasis on Friday's match. The wrestling team also plans on giving out FREE T-Shirts in Alumni Grove on Thursday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in hopes of rallying student support. Social media has joined the mix as #LionStrong, #RejoinThePride, and #688 have been trending on Twitter, informing the community of the event.


Along with watching an anticipated match against a nationally-ranked team, spectators will also receive a FREE T-shirt (for the first 300 fans), enjoy music, and Cheer and Dance performances during intermission. Legendary Lion wrestling alumni will also be in attendance including four-time All-American wrestler, Mike Jacoutot. Jacoutot led Trenton State College wrestling teams to a pair of national championships. He concluded his senior season by winning the 1981 NCAA Division III Championship after three consecutive runner-up finishes. Jacoutot was inducted into TCNJ's Alumni/Athletic Hall of Fame this past fall and will be an honorary captain at the match.

Jacoutot is one of many alumni that support the wrestling program and is also a member of the newly formed TCNJ Wrestling Endowment Steering Committee. Incepted in 2013, TCNJ created the committee with the goal of raising enough money for the program to be independently funded. In other words, TCNJ wrestling would not have to be completely dependent on funding by the school. This would essentially allow the program to go on trips, purchase new equipment, and continue its quest for national titles.

"It just shows what great lengths our alumni will go for our program and our cause," said TCNJ's wrestling head coach, Joe Galante '07.

All American and senior Zach Zotollo (Paramus, NJ/Paramus) mentioned "It's more than just the match. It's honoring the alumni with a great performance."

According to Broderick, the current wrestlers are looking forward to wrestling in front of Jacoutot.

"He's been a big supporter of giving back to our program. The least we could do is wrestle hard for him."

Local schools from Shalick, Brick Memorial, and Woodbridge will be in attendance, as well as local students, coaches, assistant coaches, and parents. TCNJ President R. Barbara Gitenstein will be making a special appearance as well.

Despite all the dignitaries that visit Packer Hall of Februrary 7, the group that is critical to making this event a major success are TCNJ's students on campus.

"The students are the ones that will make the difference and create an electric atmosphere," said Galante. "They will give us the upper hand."

"Everyone seems to be coming together for this. We are not just promoting alumni from our program – it's all programs. It will certainly be a great event!"