Recap
Ridgefield Alumni Gather to Celebrate 30 years of Youth Wrestling
Ridgefield Alumni Event Celebrating 30 Yrs of Youth Wrestling
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Honoring Coach Murphy with Founders Award
Ridgefield, CT — Ridgefield Wrestling took advantage of a major milestone to bring together alumni from its youth and high school programs on January 25th. Over 75 former wrestlers, coaches, administrators and supporters gathered to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of Ridgefield’s Youth Wrestling program. The event, organized by the RHS Wrestling Booster Club, honored those wrestlers, coaches and administrators that contributed to the longevity and success of wrestling at the youth and high school levels. Ridgefield selectman Rudy Marconi and Chris Murray attended the event.
The event honored nine former High School head coaches, four of which were present and 13 youth head coaches and presidents, ten of which were present. Three former RHS wrestlers were honored for their distinguished wrestling careers in high school and at the collegiate-level; Corey Paulish, Alex Blank and Travis Tiger. Three individuals were also honored for their lifetime contribution to Ridgefield Wrestling. Dwight Blaha was honored for his time as a coach and president at the youth level, in addition to a three-year run as president of the RHS booster club. Jamie Block was recognized for his ten years of coaching at the elementary level where he has taught and mentored a generation of Ridgefield youth. Finally, the focal point of the night was the recognition of Coach Jim Murphy. Jim was the founder of Ridgefield’s youth wrestling program. He coached and was president for the program’s first 20 seasons. Coach Murphy was coaxed out of retirement this summer to help jumpstart a summer open mat program and is currently a volunteer assistant at RHS, where the team is currently ranked in the CT top 10 and is enjoying a historic season.
The event was a celebration of the rich history and achievements of the program but also focused on the positive impact of wrestling on those that participate. Members of Ridgefield current varsity program were invited as ambassadors to interact with Alumni. They were treated to some amazing tributes including an eloquent speech by former RHS wrestler Alex Blank. Blank spoke from the heart and delivered a passionate speech about the structure, work ethic and tough lessons wrestling taught him; so much that wrestling was simply a part of who he is an individual. The current wrestlers got an amazing opportunity to witness the love, comradery and the sense of family that transcended generations. Former RHS Head Coach, Dave Jackson, delivered a heartfelt tribute to former RHS Head Coach Garry Tiger, who passed away in 2022, highlighting Garry’s dedication and commitment to the program. Gary's two sons, Travis and Jordan, traveled to attend the event and hear Dave's memorial. Long-time Ridgefield resident, John Pavain, presented the Founders Award, honoring Jim Murphy’s contributions to the sport of wrestling and his dedication to the Ridgefield youth and high-school programs.
The event was strategically planned to coincide with the 22nd Annual Gary Tiger Ridgefield Challenge on Saturday January 27th. The Alumni showed up in droves and were given VIP seating for what turned out to be a very exciting and entertaining finals round. Ridgefield took a well-deserved second place, behind current CT powerhouse Newtown. Ridgefield placed five wrestlers in the finals, winning four of the five and taking home both the Most Outstanding Wrestler, Victor Petkov and Most Exciting Finals Match, Lorenzo Lanzilli.