Brick wrestler stands on own two feet

On and off the mat,
high school senior is

Brick wrestler stands on own two feet On and off the mat, high school senior is ‘just a regular guy’

On and off the mat,
high school senior is
‘just a regular guy’


Tom Ferrante, 18, removes his prosthetics before wrestling practice at Brick Township High School. His new prosthetics, which take about 10 minutes to put on and also to take off, should be ready next month and will cost more than $40,000. His family expects their medical insurance will cover $10,000 of the cost.Tom Ferrante, 18, removes his prosthetics before wrestling practice at Brick Township High School. His new prosthetics, which take about 10 minutes to put on and also to take off, should be ready next month and will cost more than $40,000. His family expects their medical insurance will cover $10,000 of the cost.

Inspirational. Heroic. Courageous. All of these words are used to describe athletes, often to excess. But there’s no overstating the accomplishments of Brick Township High School’s Tom Ferrante. When the Green Dragon senior was beaten in the preliminary round of the Region IV tournament March 4 after taking second in District 23 at 119 pounds, it marked an end to what was a highly successful high school wrestling career, and closed the book on what has been a remarkable story of overcoming adversity.

At 10 months old, Ferrante became a bilateral amputee when he had a portion of both legs removed. As a standout wrestler, he has more than learned to overcome his unique physical challenge. His commitment to excellence and competitive spirit allowed him not only to compete, but also to excel in a sport that is renowned for its competitiveness within the Shore Conference.

However, as remarkable as his wrestling prowess is, it pales in comparison to another of Ferrante’s talents — his ability to make you forget he’s handicapped. Family and friends alike refer to Tom as "just a regular guy," and point to his character as his greatest trait. Whether he’s at the mall shopping with friends or working hard at earning money for car insurance, Ferrante manages to live the life of a normal 18-year-old.

Tom Ferrante exemplifies everything that is great about high school athletics. And as he moves to college at Lafayette in Easton, Pa., to study engineering, he is sure to face many more challenges in his life. Just don’t expect any of them to slow him down.


Tom wrestles Howell’s Mike Ucci during one of his last home matches last month.Tom wrestles Howell’s Mike Ucci during one of his last home matches last month.

During practice, Tom stretches as his teammates run the stairs and around the mats.During practice, Tom stretches as his teammates run the stairs and around the mats. Tom (center) and buddies Dustin Hickman and John Henriques hang out at the Ocean County Mall, Toms River.Tom (center) and buddies Dustin Hickman and John Henriques hang out at the Ocean County Mall, Toms River.


After losing the District 23 Championship match to Manasquan’s Mike Dahrouge (l), Tom is consoled by coach Jay Nase, as Dahrouge wishes him well.After losing the District 23 Championship match to Manasquan’s Mike Dahrouge (l), Tom is consoled by coach Jay Nase, as Dahrouge wishes him well. Tom and his friend, John Henriques, enjoy some fast food at Ocean County Mall.Tom and his friend, John Henriques, enjoy some fast food at Ocean County Mall.