NUTLEY, NJ – The Nutley High School wrestling team will host its eighth annual Gift of Life Duals on Saturday, Jan. 13.
The day will include wrestling matches beginning at 9:30 a.m. while raising awareness about organ donation. Along with Nutley, the participating teams are Columbia, Demarest, Kinnelon, Millburn and St. Benedict’s Prep.
NHS head wrestling coach Mike DiPiano’s father, MIke DiPiano Sr., is the recipient of organ donation. DiPiano Sr. received a kidney and pancreas on Oct. 25, 1998. The organs were donated by a 21-year-old man who was killed in an automobile accident.
During a break in the day, DiPiano Sr. will give a talk about his experience as an organ donor recipient.
DiPiano Sr. enjoyed a legendary career as a wrestling coach at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark. His other son, Frank DiPiano, also was a head coach for the Nutley HS wrestling team for eight seasons. Mike DiPiano Jr. succeeded his brother, Frank, and is in his third season as Raiders head coach.