A hero, on and off the mat: Howard Kestenbaum

By Jim Van Orden Correspondent MAPLEWOOD, NJ – A cup hanging by a string from his 103rd floor office ceiling swung in a wide arc as the World Trade Center’s south tower swayed in strong winds blowing off the Hudson River. The cup, as well as a high-powered telescope he assembled so employees could view […]

Columbia HS wrestler Galileo Hetherington places third at Region 3 tournament; advances to state finals in Atlantic City

Updated with coach’s comments. Correction: This is the second year that the top four finishers in each weight class qualify for the state finals. MAPLEWOOD, NJ – Columbia High School wrestler Galileo Hetherington finished in third place in the 285-pound heavyweight class at Region 3 tournament at West Orange High School on Saturday, Feb. 24. […]

Columbia HS wrestling team boasts nice mix this season

MAPLEWOOD, NJ – Under first-year head coach Mike Freedman, the Columbia High School varsity wrestling team has a nice mix of talented youth and veteran leadership. The Cougars, who open the season Dec. 15 at Chatham, will be led by their four captains: Blake McGowan, Devin Rocha, Hunter Dallison, and Galileo Hetherington. “The four captains […]

Former Columbia HS wrestling coach Hal Garwin to be feted

MAPLEWOOD, NJ – Hal Garwin, who stepped down as head varsity wrestling coach at Columbia High School at the end last season, will be honored with a Retirement Party at the annual CHS Wrestling Hall of Fame Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 27. Garwin has been involved with wrestling in the Maplewood and South Orange communities […]

Columbia HS wrestling team enjoys solid end to season

MAPLEWOOD, NJ – This year, the Columbia High School Cougar varsity wrestling team, coached by Hal Garwin and Joel Rosario, was composed of five freshmen, five sophomores, four juniors, and three seniors. The young squad did well in the two in-season tournaments, finishing third and fourth in the 10-team tournaments. The wrestlers continued to improve […]

H.S. Wrestling Region 3 results

Region 3 At West Orange H.S. Feb. 22 First Round 106: Michael Rodriguez (Becton) d. Dominic Cofone (Nutley) 8-6; Darren Jones (Caldwell) d. Jacy Jones (Montclair) 7-1; Jake Bursese (Hanover Park) t.f. Kenneth Ramos (North Bergen) 5:33 (15-0); Will Grater (Queen of Peace) d. Matthew Nichter (Livingston) 9-2. 113: Alex Strashinsky (Delbarton) d. Alex Lyon […]

Columbia HS wrestler Devin Rocha finishes second at District 10

MAPLEWOOD, NJ – Devin Rocha finished second in the 126-pound weight class to lead the Columbia High School varsity wrestling team at New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association District 10 tournament held at Nutley HS, Feb. 17-18. Rocha, a sophomore, took second after dropping a tough 7-6 decision to Delbarton’s John Cuming in the final. […]