5 Super Athletes With Ties To Long Valley

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Long Valley area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Michael Burton (Football)

Born and raised in Long Valley, Michael Burton is a fullback for the NFL’s Denver Broncos. He honed his skills at West Morris Central High School, where he led his team to a state championship in 2009. Despite being overlooked by NCAA Division I programs, he walked on at Rutgers University, eventually earning a captaincy and securing a spot in the 2015 NFL Draft. Over his decade-long career, Burton has played for six NFL teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, where he made his Super Bowl debut.

2. Mike Rossi (Freestyle Aerial Skier)

A freestyle aerialist known for his daring acrobatics, Mike Rossi has represented the United States internationally with impressive performances. Hailing from Long Valley, Rossi began his skiing journey at age five and quickly showcased a natural aptitude for aerials, earning a spot on the U.S. Ski Team at just 17. His career highlights include a bronze medal at the Deer Valley World Cup in 2013 and top-ten finishes at prestigious events like the U.S. Championships and FIS World Ski Championships.

3. Kylene Cochrane (Track & Field)

Kylene Cochrane’s remarkable track and cross-country career began in Long Valley, where she set eight individual school records at West Morris Central High School and contributed to three relay records. Her achievements include a gold medal in the 1600m at the 2014 New Jersey Indoor Meet of Champions and a top-12 finish at the New Balance Indoor Nationals. Cochrane continued to excel at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was part of a record-setting 4x1500m relay team and earned multiple Ivy League team championships.

4. Walt Ader (Racing)

A sprint car legend of the 1940s, Walt Ader achieved significant milestones in American motorsport, including competing in the 1950 Indianapolis 500, where he finished 22nd. Born in Long Valley, Ader began his racing career in 1934 and quickly rose to prominence, winning the GSRA championship in 1936. He secured his first AAA Championship Car win at Lakewood Speedway in 1947 and teamed with notable figures like Ted Horn during his career. Though injuries and setbacks marked his racing journey, Ader’s connection to Long Valley remains a celebrated part of his legacy, honored through events like the Walt Ader Memorial Trophy.

5. Marisa DiPaolo (Wrestling)

Marisa DiPaolo etched her name in West Morris Central High School history as the first female wrestler to medal at the NJSIAA Girls State Wrestling Championship, earning bronze in the 215-pound weight class. A standout athlete from Long Valley, DiPaolo’s achievement was even more remarkable as it came during her first season of wrestling. She pinned her way through the consolation bracket, finishing the tournament with three pinfalls in just over six minutes, a feat few competitors achieved. Her third-place finish was the highest by any Wolfpack wrestler in nearly 50 years.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.