School Board Mulls Funding Long Valley Wrestling Program

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A previous request for funding for the Long Valley Wolfpack wrestling program could be met soon.

In March, a representative of the Long Valley Wolfpack wrestling program petitioned the school district for additional funding, citing hazardous practice conditions for current wrestlers caused by outdated mats.

The request came after Lloyd Flemming stated that he had previously written the board expressing his concerns and grievances about the materials with which the wrestling program was left to work.

Responding, Superintendent Peter Turnamian stated that there is a distinction between recreation programs and what the schools fund through their own programming, but that he was willing to consider an open dialogue.

Long Valley Wolfpack wrestling provides wrestlers of all skill levels with wrestling instruction and competitive opportunities through the eighth grade.

The Washington Township School District does not have a wrestling team, so interested students must use the recreation team until they reach high school and can join the West Morris Central Wrestling team.

Because the program is separate from the schools, some have questioned why the school district should contribute funding.

According to Flemming, the Long Valley Wolfpack wrestling program was once a school function and operated as a school team; however, the team split from the school district due to budget cuts.

The most pressing need stems from the old and out-of-date wrestling mats on which the children are forced to practice and compete. According to Flemming, the current mats are more than 30 years old.

"They are kind of posing a health risk now. They're the old, sponge-like mats where dirt, bacteria, MRSA, all these things can get into it and the kids are wrestling on them. Also, they are very heavy," Flemming said.

During the June 20 school board meeting, the board members said that they were in the process of setting up a meeting with Flemming and members of the Long Valley Wolfpack wrestling program to discuss their needs.

The meeting would be held with Turnamian, the board stated.