Wrestling – Fundraiser for Southern Alum and U.S. Olympian Frank Molinaro on Saturday
After winning the United States Olympic Trials and gaining then necessary qualifying berth at 65kg for the Summer Olympics, Frank Molinaro will officially be in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, this August. The next challenge is to make sure his family is there with him.
While the athletes' travel and lodging accommodations are taken care of, those for their families are not. That's why the Stafford Wrestling Club is hosting an event on Saturday to raise money for Molinaro's family members to be by his side on his quest for Olympic gold.
There will be a pig roast Saturday June 25 from 2-7 p.m. at the Manahawkin Moose Lodge on Route 72 with all proceeds to benefit Molinaro and his family. The cost is $50 per person and includes the pig roast, additional food and beverages. Those interested can call 609-661-1725 for tickets.
Molinaro starred at Southern where he was a three-time NJSIAA champion. He went on to Penn State where he was a four-time NCAA All-American, including being a two-time national finalist and winning the NCAA championship at 149 pounds during the 2012 season.
Molinaro won the United States Olympic Team Trials at 65 kilograms (143 pounds) on April 9 with an amazing run in Iowa City. He defeated teen prodigy Aaron Pico, 2-4, 4-3, 4-4 in the championship series to secure the 65kg spot. During the tournament he stunned four-time world team member, Brent Metcalf, 3-3, in the quarterfinals, before beating Ohio State’s four-time NCAA champion Logan Stieber, 5-5, in the semifinals.
The Olympic Games take place August 5-21 in Rio De Janeiro.
Wrestling editor Bob Badders can be reached at badders@allshoremedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bob_Badders. Like Shore Sports Network on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest video highlights.