It’s a small, unassuming round sticker bathed in blue and gold, featuring a sketched wrestler at its center, with the words “Cranford Wrestling” elegantly curved around it.

A diminutive map of New Jersey complements its design.

Cranford wrestling coach Pat Gorman, who also teaches graphic design at the local high school, has printed 300 of these stickers, which he distributes to visiting family, friends, and alumni of the program, encouraging them to place the stickers in meaningful locations and share a photo back with him.

“They send me the picture because we’re making a book showing at least one of these stickers in all 50 states,” Gorman shares with enthusiasm.

The initiative has proven to be impactful.

Gorman estimates that about half the states have already received a sticker.

“We’ve scored some of the challenging ones like Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, and even some from the Midwest,” Gorman adds. “We’ve gone international too — Ireland and the Caribbean. My sister is visiting Iceland soon, so that’ll add to our collection.”

One parent even found a Cranford Wrestling sticker affixed to a road sign in a remote area of Wyoming, a site known for its rattlesnakes.

“I truly believe we’re cultivating this brand, this culture,” Gorman reflects. “The more individuals engage with it, the more it flourishes.”

Venice of New Jersey

What “Cranford Wrestling” has become goes well beyond just being one of New Jersey’s premier wrestling programs, which it undeniably is.

Indeed, the impressive tally of ten consecutive Union County Tournament titles — totaling 13 overall — speaks volumes.

Their most recent county title victory was nothing short of spectacular, with 13 out of 14 wrestlers earning medals and five clinching individual titles, including three-time champions Mike Daly (113), Luke Scholz (150), and Jordan Chapman (190).

The gold medal winners also included Joey Acinapura (175) and Dylan Jones (157).

The Cougars maintain a prominent presence in the top 20 rankings all season long by NJ.com, representing one of the top wrestling states in the nation.

They secured the Section 2 title on February 12 and followed up two weeks later at the district level by capturing seven additional individual championships, leading to a total of ten qualifiers for regionals.

This weekend, the Cougars will send six wrestlers to the final chapter of the 2024-25 New Jersey wrestling season — the state NJSIAA finals in Atlantic City.

Daly (113), Ryder Connors (126), Eoghan O’Hara (144), Jones (157), and Chapman (175) are all vying for the ultimate individual accolade in the state.

“You set your sights high and if you achieve your goal, you continue to the next,” Gorman advises.

Yet, all the trophies — the myriad accolades, plaques, and ribbons that keep accumulating for the Cougars — serve as mere sticker-sized reminders next to the program’s most significant achievement.

That multifaceted achievement lies in the positive influence, engagement, and connections formed within the community of approximately 25,000 residents, situated about 25 miles east of Manhattan, affectionately known as “The Venice of New Jersey,” while promoting the town’s mantra of “Friendship and Progress.”

Cranford fever: Bagpipes, drumlines

That motto may seem modest in comparison to the intense atmosphere felt by residents and visitors attending a Cranford wrestling match.

It’s an experience that perhaps doesn’t emulate the picturesque charm of Venice, but there’s an undeniable energy and enthusiasm that fills the arena, as described by John Haddad, a lifelong New Jersey resident.

The former Wall Street professional has fully committed himself to high school sports in the area, founding and owning 7Eight Sports, a digital media company focused on the 78 Corridor District.

Haddad emphasizes that the Cougars have showcased strong performance in football and baseball, while basketball coaching greats Hubie Brown and Rollie Massimino began their careers in Cranford.

Wrestling undoubtedly dominates the athletic scene.

“Many athletes head to Cranford to catch that wrestling spirit — not to emulate Derek Jeter,” Haddad remarked.

Celebrated for his stunning photography, prominently featured in this article, Haddad provided a vivid account on his website of attending a recent wrestling duel at Cranford against Delaware Valley, showcasing two public school wrestling powerhouses.

“The packed audience, a blend of students and local fans — including Harry McNally, the 86-year-old captain of Cranford’s inaugural wrestling team — resembled a scene from the movie, ‘Vision Quest,’” he described. “It wouldn’t matter if you had attended a high school wrestling match before; the energy and the percussion you felt would resonate deeply within you.”

“In addition to cheerleaders and a bagpiper, a drum corps provided an extra layer of sound that enriched the atmosphere.”

Bagpipes at a wrestling event? Cheerleaders and percussion?

Wednesday Night Lights

All of that can be credited to Gorman, according to Kevin Murray, whose son, Gavin, became Cranford’s all-time winningest wrestler and was part of the 2015 team that claimed the first of ten consecutive county titles, the first such victory in 31 years.

Kevin Murray, present at the Delaware Valley match, and every match thereafter, expressed his admiration for the atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the dedication to making the athletes feel valued which ultimately connects the community with the kids and fosters a sense of shared victory.

Even if the wrestlers don’t finish their matches with raised hands.

“You’ll never hear it from (Gorman) — he’s far too humble — but he’s a coach who consistently goes above and beyond,” said Kevin Murray. “He’s very much a man of the community, creating T-shirts that say: ‘Cranford wrestling drum line… We never miss a beat.’”

“They march in as a part of the community. Such initiatives are what stir excitement and encourage people to return, making those Wednesday and Friday night matches an important gathering for fans to rally behind the Cougars.”

“Pat has cultivated that kind of atmosphere.”

Ultimatums, partnerships and ‘Lab Time’

Kevin Murray rightly shares in the credit for developing this formidable program, having revamped the youth program 25 years ago, which plays a direct role in the Cranford wrestling success.

“(Murray) is extremely dedicated,” Haddad noted. “He’s undeniably a crucial factor in that program’s success. Together with (Gorman), they’ve transformed it into one of the premier wrestling communities in the state.”

Kevin quickly attributes his success to his wife, who fueled the passion that sparked everything that followed.

“When we first started dating, the wrestling program at Cranford was struggling, and I had thoughts of leaving,” Kevin recounted. “But she insisted, ‘We’re not going anywhere, so if you’re unhappy, do something about it.’”

That message was all it took for Kevin to not only fix but to build and ultimately shape the PAL Youth Wrestling program into what it is today. When he and Gorman intersected in their efforts, they established a formidable wrestling dynasty in Cranford.

But every success story starts with humble beginnings.

“In the early days with Gavin, we had just 33 kids in the program,” Kevin said. “Now, we boast 141 athletes and have an additional 30 on a waitlist. Our middle school team is undefeated, our elementary level team remains unbeaten, and our JV team holds an 11-3 record.”

Both Kevin and Gorman share a hearty laugh as they reminisce about their initial meetings at the local “Wrestling Lab,” a familiar gathering spot.

Gorman initially thought Kevin might have confused his “labs,” when Kevin confidently assured him that his son, Gavin, would shatter every wrestling record at Cranford.

“I also mentioned that we were going to win at least…”

“Three county titles in a row while Gavin was there,” shared Kevin Murray. “I just remember Pat telling someone else at the lab, ‘This guy is craaaaaazy.’”

Crazy like a fox, or perhaps a savvy Cougar. All his forecasts not only came to fruition, but exceeded expectations.

Turning 6s into 9s

This success stemmed from their shared passion for the sport, commitment to the youth, and a tireless work ethic—an attribute common among those in the wrestling community—to ensure everything fell into place.

Together, they worked on fundraising to acquire new wrestling facilities and mats. By exchanging ideas and fostering enthusiasm, they recognized the advantages of unity.

“What Pat has embraced is that we are a family, not just a team,” remarked Kevin Murray. “(The youth and high school teams) collaborate extensively. The high school team has thrived. He has been awarded district and region coach of the year numerous times. His teams are not in a cycle of rebuilding; they simply reload. He and his team have done a remarkable job nurturing that.”

“Parents who believe they must enroll their kids in private schools for success may not need to. It’s all available right here. He has elevated the program, making us one of New Jersey’s prominent wrestling powers, in a state known for its rich wrestling tradition.”

However, a strong program relies on talented wrestlers.

Gavin Murray was the first Cougar to surpass the 100-win mark, a milestone that has since been eclipsed by Chapman.

Chapman is ranked as the 16th-best 175-pound wrestler in the country by High School on SI. He is seeded second heading into the weekend, standing as Cranford’s strongest contender for gold.

“Impressive athlete,” commented Haddad. “Some kids just look the part. One glance, and you can tell this kid is the real deal.”

Haddad noted that Cranford’s strength lies in development, rather than recruiting elite talent. “It’s about taking an athlete you might rate as a ‘6’ and transforming them into a ‘9,’” he explained. “If you wrestle at Cranford, you’re going to reach your potential and then some.”

Outside the circles

Ironically, even poetically, Chapman has been guided and mentored by Gavin Murray, now a 28-year-old cyber security professional, who is among around 35 Cranford wrestling alumni coaching at various levels in both youth and high school programs.

There’s nothing more fulfilling for Gorman than witnessing the Cranford community dynamic.

“Whenever a former wrestler returns from college, I almost always receive a call asking if they can come back and lend a hand,” Gorman remarked. “Their eagerness to give back indicates that we’re on the right path.”

Gavin Murray believes they are.

He is a shining example of the Cranford spirit of paying it forward, coaching his middle brother Colin, who was part of three county championship teams, and now mentoring his youngest brother Logan, a freshman at 132 pounds.

“The sport and the wrestling program have taught me a great deal,” Gavin Murray noted. “I gained significant humility, while also acquiring confidence. It showed me that the effort put in behind the scenes ultimately leads to future achievements.

“During my time wrestling, fans only witness the raised hands at the end of a match, not the unseen efforts outside the circle.”

Gorman observed: “High school-aged kids are still discovering their identities. They’re in the process of figuring things out. However, being surrounded by peers making similar sacrifices and striving toward common objectives shapes their character.

“Moreover, being around individuals dedicated to similar goals helps divert them from poor choices because this sport extends beyond practice hours. Maintaining your weight and fitness levels is essential.”

As Kevin Murray put it: “Dan Gable said it best: ‘Once you wrestle, everything else in life is easy.’”

Gorman strives to ease the grind by combining the sport’s rigorous demands with more enjoyable elements.

“It’s such a grueling sport,” he remarked. “Our longevity at high levels has come from creating a culture where it’s also fun.”

Tailor made

This spirit is evident in various ways, colors, and seasons.

In addition to lively bagpipe tunes and drumlines, there’s the popular “Murray’s Matside Madness,” a live-stream commentary on matches led by the enthusiastic Kevin Murray.

Hundreds, nearing the thousand mark, including alumni from all over the state and even beyond, now tune in. Locals who can’t make it to the matches also join in.

Kevin Murray has become the wrestling equivalent of Dick Vitale, baby!

“We started this during Covid when people were unable to get out, and it’s still going strong,” Kevin Murray remarked.

Wrestling Wednesdays have become a tradition, where everyone, from young elementary students to older peers, sports Cranford wrestling gear.

“Everyone wears something related to it,” Gorman noted. “Even the teachers!”

During the festive season, Gorman takes on the role of Santa Claus, while the entire team adorns Santa hats and goes out to spread holiday cheer through caroling in the community.

This enthusiasm resonates with local business members, like a tailor and tuxedo shop owner, who outfitted varsity coaches Alex Mirabella, Steve VanDam, Gorman, Gavin Murray, and Derrick Frankovilla in sharp royal-blue-and-gold suits for the upcoming 2024 NJSIAA state tournament.

Naturally, the group clinched the “best dressed coaches” title at the tournament, adding yet another accolade to the gym’s Board of Champions, which continues to grow with a wealth of history and accomplishments.

“We were noticing many brothers’ names on the wall, and now we’re seeing the next generation—the sons of those fathers,” Gorman observed. “These connections hopefully encourage kids to strive for excellence.”

“Ultimately, this sport imparts valuable life lessons. While excelling as a wrestler is an objective, the true goal lies in nurturing the best version of themselves through our program, no matter where life takes them.”

Even in Wyoming.