Crusader Continues Winning Ways, Topping Staten Island Lion

West Nyack, NY - 's Johnny Sebastian may be one of the best wrestlers in New Jersey following his in Atlantic City, but he can now brag that he took down one of the best from Staten Island, New York after a late reversal over  Rrok Ndokaj of Monsignor Farrell in a New York vs. New Jersey charity challenge.

“At MSG Varsity, we’re proud to be presenting this event, because not only does it spotlight the top wrestlers from each state, but it also benefits two great charities. The opportunity to televise this match-up and help bring awareness to these charities falls right in line with MSG Varsity’s mission,” said Michael Lardner, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, MSG Varsity.

The day-long event, hosted by MSG Varsity, pitted the top wrestlers from both states while raising money for the The Adam Frey Foundation and Pinning Down Autism.

"It's awesome being chosen to represent New Jersey and wrestle for the Adam Frey Foundation," Sebastian said. "I put so much hard work into the regular season and to now wrestle here is a great feeling. This is just another match, another day."

Sebastian, won finished his sophomore season with a 40-2 record took control early over Ndokaj with a pair of takedowns in the first. But the Lions' senior who placed fourth in states picked up a trio of neutrals to close the gap in the second. Similiar to his Atlantic City state title win, Sebastian ended in a blaze of glory with a late reversal for a 6-3 win.

"Once we got into the first period and I got into his legs, I knew I would get the takedown, it was just a question of when," Sebastian said. "He's a tough opponent and made me work a lot harder for the win. It was a tough but good match. I'm just happy to be a part of Team New Jersey and the event."

All of the 15 New Jersey wrestlers competed for the Adam Frey Foundation, a non-profit organization formed by Adam Frey to give comfort and provide enjoyment to those receiving cancer treatments. Frey who wrestled at Blair Academy and Cornell University lost his own battle with cancer in 2009. 

"I want to thank all of the fans, referees, wrestlers, MSG Varsity and everyone else for being here today," Cynthia Frey, President of the Adam Frey Foundation said. "Through your support, the Adam Frey Foundation will be able to continue doing what it does best - support all patients currently undergoing cancer treatments."

New York, which won the overall tournament, 27-23, represented Pinning Down Autism, an organization whose vision is to “hold events that will raise awareness of the autism epidemic, what we can all do to support the advancement of public resources, as well as to raise funds that will go toward biomedical research to find a cure.”

"Our purpose today is to engage wrestlers and raise awareness and funding while support Autism Radio," Jason Bross of Pinning Down Autism said. "Autism Radio provides information to families about their available options and support. All money raised will go directly to families in need."

To see the recap of Sebastian and the rest of New Jersey wrestling for charity, check out the NJ/NY All Star Wrestling Charity Challenge on MSG Varsity, iO TV Channel 14 on Monday 26, 7:30pm.