Boys And Girls Welcome To Join Middlesex Blue Jays Wrestling Team

MIDDLESEX BORO, NJ — Winter sports are around the corner and the fastest growing program in town might surprise you.

Over the past two years, you may have heard all the buzz about the Middlesex borough Blue Jay wrestling program. It’s been around for well over 10 years, but in recent years the number of sign-ups has exploded. Over 50 kids were registered last year for the K-6 programs, who compete in the Central Jersey Wrestling league. In a town this small, that is an unbelievable turnout!

If you ask the program’s manager, Rob McQuone, he expects that number to get even higher this year.

“When I took this program over, I had about 10 wrestlers and not much to offer the kids. We stuck it out and now with so many great parents coming along it’s just taken off and I am so proud of what we built. The Blue Jay wrestling program prides itself on taking any and all kids, from no experience at all to wrestlers vying for a state championship. I think that’s what makes our program so special, you look on the mat and there are kids with all different experience levels, but they’re all together, working hard and having fun."

"We have a few girls in the program too and they are some of our toughest wrestlers. I really hope to see more girls this year as well. I tell parents all the time, just come and try it there is no pressure to compete or jump into matches right away. It’s a great workout and keeps the kids busy and off the couch and if they end up loving it, great. It’s a sport like no other.”

Says Middlesex boro dad Joe Igneri, who has two boys in the program now. “JoJo was 5 years old and we got two flyers from school. One was basketball, the other wrestling. I said let’s try wrestling. I had no background in the sport, knew a couple kids in high-school that wrestled but it really was non-existent where I grew up. The first few practices were tough. I was at work and my wife would say he won’t go in, he was scared and nervous. So I came home early one night and made sure he went in. The rest is kind of history, we never looked back, he loves it and we’ve been hooked ever since.”

Rob McQuone, the manager for seven years, has a similar story with his second son, Vincent.

“Vin was scared to just go out there and get his hand raised for a forfeit but he stuck it out and now he competes year round at national tournaments."

Rob Bender, father of Evan, one of the newest Blue Jays, says he found out about the team through talking to the dads at football. He gave it a shot and now Evan has a new favorite sport.

“I’m really glad we gave it a shot. It’s been amazing and we’re only just getting started.”

Wrestling is a sport that builds character and confidence. It really shows kids at young age they can do anything they work hard for. So if you’re looking to try something new, something different, and be a part of a really special program, consider your child to become a Blue Jay wrestler.

Questions or want to have your son or daughter try out? Contact Rob McQuone, Team Manager, robmcquone3110@gmail.com

This is specifically for Middlesex boro kids (and Dunellen, who they co-op with). They are looking to bring in more wrestlers through Recreation (grades K-8), Middle School (grades 6-8) and the High School. There really is no specific sign-up link, as all documentation is distributed through the schools and by the Middlesex Recreation Department.

- Written by Joe Igneri