R.H.S. wrestling: Paramus’ Joe Trovato beats friend Joe Oliva of Ridgewood to win 138 Region 2 title
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2014
BY GREGORY SCHUTTA
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
“Not since we found out we were going the same weight this year,” Trovato said of his friend Joe Oliva from Ridgewood.
But the two put aside their friendship for nearly seven minutes Saturday. And it was Trovato who came out on top, scoring a takedown on the edge midway through the first overtime to score a 3-1 victory in the highlight bout of the night at 138 pounds and win his second Region 2 wrestling championship in three years.
“This was a huge match for me,” said Trovato, a two-time state fifth who improved to 36-1 this season. “This is a huge confidence boost going into the state tournament next week.”
“More enduringly than any other sport, wrestling teaches self-control and pride. Some have wrestled without great skill – none have wrestled without pride.” – Dan Gable
Congratulations to both Joes and GOOD LUCK IN ATLANTIC CITY GENTLEMEN !!!!!!!!!!
Gotta be tough to wrestle someone you are friends with. Joe’s career at RHS has been one of the greatest of all-time. He’s also a very nice, polite kid and an outstanding student who is headed to the Ivy League for college. Best wishes and good luck to him down in Atlantic City. You never know how things work out, he may get a chance to wrestle Trovato again.