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UCC admin. wins award

— See Page 2

Girl Scouts paint murals

— See Page 3

Wrestlers finish in AC

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APRIL 2022

VOL. 06 NO. 07

Residents make it clear what they want

By Amanda Valentovic Staff Writer CRANFORD — In a survey asking residents for their opinions, most of Cranford’s population told the town’s planning firm that they do not want the Mayor’s Park with the gazebo, Cranford Fire Department and the North Union Avenue parking lot to be part of the North Avenue Gateway redevelopment project. Annie Hindenlang, Cranford’s township planner from the firm Topology, compiled a memo with the results of the survey, which ran from Sept. 27 to Dec. 6, 2021. Six public meetings were also held to discuss the topic. The Township Committee was presented with the findings at a workshop meeting on Monday, March 7. “From the feedback received, we do not believe it would be in the township’s best interest to lose the public parking/open space at the corner of Springfield Avenue and North Union Avenue or fire station with redevelopment,” the report, which is available to view on the township website, said. “Efforts should be made to improve this area consistent with public feedback.” Rather than losing the existing parking lot, Topology recommended that the developer provide parking for the development at their own cost. Several locations were suggested as possibilities. “This should include consideration of locations for an off-site parking deck within walking distance (i.e. 400 feet), of the redevelopment area that provides parking for mass-transit commuters, municipal services, and new uses generated within the redevelopment area,” the report said. “There are multiple nearby parking lots, including Lot 3 at the train/bus station and the municipal building that could expand current parking capacity, would not be directly visible from the street and would resolve many of the concerns related to the redevelopment area raised by the public.” There is no developer for the site yet; the survey was done to begin the process

The North Avenue Gateway redevelopment project is right in the heart of Cranford, so residents have been very vocal about what they do and don’t want in their community. of creating a development plan. The first recommendation from Topology was to focus redevelopment along North Avenue, with a strong architectural feature at the corner of North and Springfield avenues. The structure built should not be more than four stories and should have neighborhood and business owner input on the facade. It would most likely be two separate buildings. “This project should consist of the 40 residential units contemplated by the township’s Housing Element & Fair Share Plan,” the report said. “Topology could provide some layout options that would fit along this frontage and allow for the adequate provision of affordable units required if desired.” Concerns about exacerbating traffic, flooding, and pedestrian and cyclist safety were some of the main takeaways that residents who responded to the survey ORDER NOW

expressed about the redevelopment project. “People moved to and stayed in Cranford because of its walkability, schools, attractive/active downtown, average property taxes for New Jersey, access to a commuter rail station,” topology wrote. “They would like to see more connections to the township’s natural assets, particularly the Rahway River, and find a connection to the East Coast Greenway.” Of the 149 survey respondents, more than 100 said they were likely to patronize an art, music or bookstore, when asked what kinds of businesses they would prefer to be in the potential retail space of the project. A gift store and a grocery store had the second and third greatest number of responses, respectively. Most residents said they would most likely visit those businesses on the weekends. Other questions on the survey asked See REDEVELOPMENT, Page 4

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2 — April 2022 — Cranford Life

UCC vice president selected as distinguished college administrator Union County College has announced Demond T. Hargrove, UCC vice president for student development, has been selected to receive the Phi Theta Kappa 2022 Distinguished College Administrator Award. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for students at two-year colleges. Membership in PTK, which recognizes students with high academic achievement at associate degree–granting colleges, is by invitation only. PTK has more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,500 chapters in 11 countries. The members of Union’s Iota Xi chapter of PTK nominated Hargrove for this award because of his outstanding support of student success. In uncertain times, Hargrove’s ability to foster growth, mentor students and further develop students’ leadership skills are some of the reasons he was nominated. “Dr. Hargrove is an outstanding leader, and we appreciate that PTK recognizes his contributions. He is a hands-on administrator who is always available to help students. He leads the Student Development Division with purpose and a laser focus on student success and outcomes,” said UCC President Margaret M. McMenamin. “These college administrators are beloved on campus — they know students by name and by circumstance,” says PTK President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Their nomination is evidence of the gratitude their PTK students feel for supporting them and students like them—even during the most difficult times.” Hargrove will be honored and will receive the award at PTK’s annual convention in April in Denver, Colo. There are only 28 recipients of this award nationwide.

Photo Courtesy of Margaret Ortuso

Demond T. Hargrove, vice president for student development, has been selected to receive the Phi Theta Kappa 2022 Distinguished College Administrator Award.

Cranford Life — April 2022 — 3

Photos Courtesy of Nicole Savino Mulcahy

At left are Bridget Kachoogian, Sofia Bongiovanni, Jordan Padovano and Gabriella Pecoraro as they paint murals. Above are Kachoogian, Julia Ramsay, Amelia Hunt and Emily Cavanna in front of a mural they painted.

Girl Scout Ambassadors demonstrate caring and community In late 2021, Julie Carroll, director of Cranford Family Care, reached out to Girl Scouts of Cranford for volunteers to create and paint murals to replace those that had been lost to the September flood. When the members of Ambassador Troop 40071 heard of this opportunity, they agreed that service to a beloved Cranford institution would be a perfect note on which to conclude their scouting experience before graduating. Even more serendipitous was that one member of Troop 40071 in particular, Bridget Kachoogian, is a very talented artist, and that this project was a perfect fit for her talents.

Bridget met with Carroll at CFC and then created and submitted six mural ideas. Two teams were assembled to trace and paint the murals on the walls. The Ambassador Troop of Cranford high school seniors — Kachoogian, Julia Ramsay, Amelia Hunt, Emily Cavanna, Sofia Bongiovanni, Jordan Padovano and Gabriella Pecoraro — met over the course of two after-school sessions, on Mondays, Jan. 17 and Feb. 7, CHS half days, to create murals that would brighten and celebrate the amazing work the Cranford Family Care does for the community. “About eight years ago,” said Carroll,

“a Cranford Girl Scout troop painted two murals for Cranford Family Care. The front office mural became our traditional backdrop for photographs with volunteers. Unfortunately, our building was hit hard with flood damage from Hurricane Ida, and all the walls had to be repaired and repainted. Once we were back up and running, I kept looking at the freshly painted walls. Something was missing. … Thanks to Bridget and her fellow troop members, we now have two new and inspiring murals. CFC truly appreciates the community spirit of Girl Scouts of Cranford, as well as this troop's

time, energy and creativity!” Kachoogian said, “It was a great honor for me to be able to work with CFC on the murals, and also it was an incredibly fun way for the troop to work together and help out the Cranford community.” As they are nearing graduation and looking to the future, members of the Ambassador Troop 40071 were able to leave an indelible mark, knowing they have contributed to a remarkable Cranford organization. For more information about the Girls Scouts of Cranford, visit www.cranfordgirlscouts.com.

Fundraising, fun and football offered at Memorial Field on April 9 JT Vicci–Hearts for Emma Scholarship is hosting a Flag Football Field Day fundraising event on Saturday, April 9, from 2 to 4 pm., at Memorial Field in Cranford. The rain location is yet to be announced. JT Vicci, a lifelong Cranford resident and proud member of the Cranford community, died suddenly on Nov. 18, 2017, at the age of 24. Vicci was a talented multisport athlete. He was a standout in football; he was named team captain and earned Most Valuable Player for defense in 2010. He is remembered as a tough competi-

tor on the field and a selfless friend off it. His kindness is reflected by those who knew him and by his decision to be an organ donor. On April 1, 2011, Emma Rothman, former Cranford High school and varsity volleyball alumna, received a life-saving heart transplant. This experience, and the journey that ensued for the Rothman family, inspired the creation of Hearts for Emma. The group’s mission is to provide assistance to families of children with heart disease and to support

educational initiatives relating to heart transplantation, and organ and tissue donation. A core aim is to raise public awareness of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The JT Vicci–Hearts for Emma scholarship is awarded to recognize and support an outstanding Cranford High School student who has demonstrated a shared desire to educate present and future generations about the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

4 — April 2022 — Cranford Life

Redevelopment project draws the attention of residents (Continued from Page 1) what type of restaurants residents frequent, how often they visit downtown Cranford, how much they would spend on a home in town and what types of features would be the most important when deciding to buy a home in Cranford. “Among survey respondents, open green spaces emerged as the most popular response,” the report said about site elements residents would prefer to have included in the project. “Outdoor markets also proved to be a popular choice among survey respondents, as well as an outdoor beer garden, suggesting the popularity of flexible outdoor spaces for socializing and hosting community events in the downtown.” With the number of residents who expressed concern about traffic on North Avenue, the report said pedestrian safety should be a high priority for the site’s development. “Participants selected shared-use trails and improved crosswalks as their most preferred option for mobility enhancements,” Topology wrote. “Taken into consideration with the number of outreach participants expressing concern over nearby crossings, particularly the intersection of Centennial Avenue and North Avenue East, pedestrian safety is a high priority for site development. The nearby Rahway River was often highlighted as an ideal opportunity for a new trail.” The full report can be read on the township website at www.cranfordnj.org/redevelopment.

The North Avenue Gateway redevelopment project, as pictured from an aerial photograph, has drawn the attention of residents throughout the Cranford community.

HUD announces funding to help people experiencing homelessness On March 16, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced more than $2.6 billion in fiscal year 2021 Continuum of Care competition awards for roughly 7,000 homeless housing and service programs across the United States. The awards, announced by Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, will provide funding to communities to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness move into permanent housing with access to supportive services, with the overarching goal of long-term stability. In New Jersey, HUD awarded $53,931,703 to 227 projects. “Access to stable housing is a basic necessity — the safety of a home is essential, especially as we continue to fight the COVID-19 virus,” Fudge said. “These Continuum of Care program grants, coupled with the historic resources in the American Rescue Plan, will deliver communities the resources needed to ensure that every person in a respective community has the equitable opportunity to a safe and stable home.” “These awards support a variety of programs that assist homeless veterans, families, youth — New Jerseyans that simply need a hand so they can help themselves,” said Alicka Ampry-Samuel, HUD regional administrator for New York and New Jersey. “This funding

allows Continuums of Care to continue their work to end homelessness and help keep our most vulnerable neighbors off the streets.” The CoC program is designed to promote a communitywide commitment to ending homelessness. The program is the largest source of federal grant funding for homeless services and housing programs servicing people experiencing homelessness. The 2021 awards include approximately $102 million for new domestic violence support projects. The awards also fund new projects that focus on adding permanent housing to communities, including new permanent supportive housing, new rapid rehousing, and projects that provide transitional housing to households and then shift them to rapid rehousing. The Elizabeth/Union County Continuum of Care received funding for several organizations and initiatives in Union County: Gateway Family YMCA’s Madison program, $90,397; Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services/Public Housing Agency’s 15U program, $236,064; YWCA, $281,941; Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, $30,149; Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services/Public Housing Agency’s 11U program, $170,353; Gateway YMCA’s permanent housing for individuals program, $339,904;

Covenant House New Jersey, $113,161; Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services/Emergency Housing Agency’s 20U program, $310,438; Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services/Public Housing Agency’s 25U program, $411,367; Gateway YMCA’s 14U and chronically homeless families program, $505,850; Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services/Emergency Housing Agency’s 45U program, $772,305; Emergency Housing

Agency/Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services’ chronically homeless program, $129,673; Housing Trust Fund/Public Housing Agency’s 35U program, $573,057; two Community Access Unlimited programs, $122,323 and $195,951; ECHH/Gateway’s joint permanent housing and and rapid rehousing program, $294,499; Community Associations Institute, $33,741; and Union County CoC Planning Project, $169,229.

CRANFORDLIFE LOCAL, POSITIVE, COMMUNITY NEWS Visit our Website for more news and photos.

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Cranford Life — April 2022 — 5

IN MEMORIAM • BANIEWICZ– Dorothy Ann Bowen, of Cranford, formerly of Bloomfield; March 13. Co-founder of Cranford 9/11 Memorial. Wife, mother, grandmother, 75. • DROZEWSKI – Ann Marie, of Summerville, S.C., formerly of Cranford; Jan. 21. Worked at Cranford Chronicle, Guest Supply. Mother, grandmother, 73. • FARRELL – Mary P., of Florida, formerly of Cranford; March 20. Lieutenant, Union County Sheriff’s Office, retired. Widow, mother, grandmother, aunt, 87. • FICO – MaryAnn, of Toms River, formerly of West Orange, Cranford; Jan. 1. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, 91. • PUGLISI – Marion P., of Cranford, formerly of Elizabeth; March 2. David Brearley Regional High School math teacher, Kenilworth. Widow, 83. • RACZKOWSKI – Richard, of Rio Rancho, N.M., formerly of Cranford and Newark; Feb. 18. Army veteran, Teamster, trucker. Widower, father, 93. • SCANLON – William “Bill” Jr., of St. Augustine, Fla., formerly of Cranford; March 12. USMC veteran. PSEG retiree. Widower, father, brother, 71.

In Memoriam is a monthly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.

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Photos Courtesy of Colleen Clayton

Grant supports efforts to offer free or reduced-cost swim lessons UNION COUNTY — The Gateway Family YMCA was one of 102 youth programs from the USA Swimming Foundation’s nationwide network of swim lesson providers to receive grant money in early 2022. The grant award will go toward the Gateway Family YMCA’s continued efforts to provide free and reduced-cost swim lessons. The USA Swimming Foundation has awarded a total of $898,184 to programs across the country. “The Gateway Family YMCA is honored to be chosen for this grant,” said

Krystal R. Canady, chief executive officer of the Gateway Family YMCA. “This grant funding allows us to provide the Accessible Water Safety program to the local community.” “We believe water safety is a necessary life skill, and we are committed to providing a curriculum that provides water safety information and basic swimming skills for all,” said Melynda A. Mileski, Gateway executive vice president and chief operating officer. The USA Swimming Foundation chose

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the 102 youth and 40 adult programs to receive funding from more than 250 applications. “It’s an incredible feeling to know that USA Swimming Foundation funding will be used to create a valuable swimming experience for thousands of people who may not have had the opportunity to learn how to swim,” Scott Usher, director of development for the USA Swimming Foundation, said. “We couldn’t be prouder to support these life-saving opportunities across the country. We owe a tremen-

dous thank you to our partners and donors who continue to make a difference in our mission of saving lives and building champions.” Millions of children have received the lifesaving gift of swim lessons through the USA Swimming Foundation network, which comprises more than 1,500 lesson providers across the nation. For a full list of 2022 USA Swimming Foundation grant recipients, to donate to the foundation, or to learn more, visit www.usaswimming.org/foundation.

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Cranford Life — April 2022 — 7

Hanson Park Conservancy announces Jan Lilien Education Fund The Hanson Park Conservancy has announced a new education initiative that will kick off this spring. The programming will be provided by the Jan Lilien Education Fund, which was made possible by donations in memory of the late Jan Lilien of Cranford. HPC plans a series of events and programs to address sustainability and environmental awareness. Topics will include measures citizens can take on their properties and throughout the community. Some programs under consideration involve the benefits of trees,

native plants, and sustainable gardening techniques. There will also be programs geared toward children, to introduce them to sustainability and reinforce what they are learning in the classroom through outdoor activities. The conservancy will coordinate with the Cranford Environmental Commission, the Cranford Green team and other township organizations to bring environmental awareness to children and adults. Several programs have been scheduled, including a presentation in June by Randi Eckel of Toadshade Farm called “If you plant

it, they will come.” Eckel will discuss the importance of native plants to encourage butterflies, birds and other wildlife. Lilien was the former executive director of the YWCA of Union County and a tireless advocate for social justice issues. Living close to Hanson Park, Lilien and her husband, Richard Brown, spent many hours enjoying the park, which became a special place for her and her family. The many donations to the fund in her memory have also gone toward two new benches.

STUDENT UPDATE Matriculating at MSU Montclair State University has welcomed the following Cranford residents to the Red Hawk family for the fall 2021 semester: JT Kaminski, Sophia Pardal, Mason Towery, Joe Ravelo, Maya Niemsyk, Zach Burkle, Hunter Burke, Emma Horsch, Bri Malamug, Chloe Lasalle, Laura Dispoto, Zoe Gianakouros, Sam Potash and Katrina Bergen.

Dean’s list at SHU The following students from Cranford were named to the dean’s list at Seton Hall University, located in South Orange, for the spring 2021 semester: Annamarie Anton, Gianna Carroll, Olivia Correia, Andrea Esquivel, Nora Hall, Emma Linthicum, Julia Logiudice, Colleen MacNamara, Kathleen Malanka, Brittany Markase, Mary Grace McNama-

ra, Luke Nadolny, Alexa O’Brien and including the actual letter grade awarded Miller Schulman. in any course taken pass/fail; earned a semester grade-point average of at least 3.0; and ranked in the upper quartile of Matriculating at JMU The following area students have their school or college. enrolled as members of the Class of 2025 at James Madison University, located in Scheurer is named Harrisonburg, Va.: Cranford’s Kate Wil- to president’s list son, Daniel Balkan, Andrew Goldfeder John Scheurer of Cranford was named and Josephine Gunther. to the president’s list at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., for the fall 2021 semesThe president’s list requires a 3.9 Prata on UConn dean’s list ter. grade-point average or better. Sofia Prata of Cranford has been named to the fall dean’s list at the University of Connecticut. UConn’s main campus is in Storrs, Conn. To be named to the dean’s list a student must have been registered for at least 12 credits calculable for grade points; received no grade below a C,

Guthrie graduates from Hood College Gwen Guthrie, of Cranford, graduated from Hood College in Frederick, Md., in January with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

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New Jersey American Water to flush water mains Beginning mid-March and continuing into the fall months, New Jersey American Water will perform the annual flushing of its water distribution system to support the continued provision of high-quality, reliable water service to its customers. “Flushing the system helps to clean out any buildup of mineral deposits and sediment inside the pipes,” Vice President of Operations Thomas Shroba said. “The company also flushes its hydrants to confirm they are operational and to check fire flows in the system.” Flushing involves simultaneously opening fire hydrants in a specific area to create increased water flows. This routine flushing program also includes flushing blowoff valves on dead-end water mains throughout the system. The service areas and dates when flushing begins are posted at www.newjerseyamwater.com, under “Alerts.” “In addition to continuously investing in our infrastructure, essential maintenance activities such as our hydrant flushing program are key to providing our customers with high-quality drinking water and is an annual requirement of the Water Quality Accountability Act,” Shroba said. While water mains are being cleaned, customers may notice short periods of low water pressure or discolored water. If customers experience temporary water dis-

coloration, New Jersey American Water recommends running the cold water until it is clear. NJAW also recommends that customers: draw water for cooking prior to the flushing period; store a large bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking; check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher; and, if water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check faucet screens for trapped particles. The flushing schedule in Union County is as follows: Berkeley Heights from May 9 through May 13, Clark from April 29 through May 20, Cranford from April 29 through May 20, Elizabeth from June 13 through July 1, Fanwood from April 11 through April 29, Garwood from April 29 through May 20, Hillside from June 13 through July 1, Kenilworth from April 29 through May 20, Linden from May 31 through July 1, Mountainside from April 11 through April 29, New Providence from May 9 through May 13, Plainfield from April 18 through May 27, Roselle from May 31 through July 1, Roselle Park from April 29 through May 20, Scotch Plains from April 11 through April 29, Springfield from April 24 through April 28 and from Sept. 12 through Sept. 24, Summit from April 3 through April 7, Union from May 2 through May 6 and from May 31 through July 1, and Westfield from April 29 through May 20.

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New Jersey American Water’s Kurt Driscoll flushes a hydrant in the company’s Egg Harbor Township service area.

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Cranford Life — April 2022 — 9

Police host 125th-anniversary commemorative brick sale As the Cranford Police Department continues to celebrate its 125th anniversary this year — the department was founded on March 27, 1897 — it is launching a 125th-anniversary commemorative brick sale. Residents may purchase a brick honoring an active or past member of the organization, or simply showing support for the organization. These bricks will be part of a project to be completed in 2022. Each 4- by 8-inch brick includes up to two lines of text with 21 characters per line, including spaces. All bricks will include the department’s 125th-anniversary logo. Logo and text will be arranged based on the best fit; the designer will reach out to purchasers if the need arises. Proceeds from the sale of the bricks will offset the cost of completing the project.

To purchase a commemorative brick, visit https://bricksengraving.squarespace.com/cranford-pd or use the free Cranford Police Department app. The Cranford Police Department has been recognized by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police as an accredited agency since 2006. The 53-officer, highly specialized municipal police agency consists of a patrol division, an investigative division, a community support services division, a training division, a detective bureau, a juvenile bureau, a traffic bureau, a records bureau and a community outreach unit. Earlier this year, the Cranford Police Department was awarded reaccreditation through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, confirming the organization’s dedication to optimal law enforcement professionalism.

CHS membership drive is underway New members are being sought for the Cranford Historical Society. Membership is open to all residents, as the community’s support is needed to preserve and perpetuate the history of Cranford. Members will receive five issues of the Mill Wheel newsletter, which offers insight into Cranford's history, each year. The CHS is a nonprofit educational organization with programs throughout the year for all ages. A membership form is available at http://cranfordhistoricalsociety.org/; paper forms are available at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave.; Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Ave.; Cranford Historical Society Office, 38 Springfield Ave.; and Crane-Phillips House Museum, 124 N. Union Ave. For more information, call the office at 908-276-0082 or email cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.net.

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SPORTS

Cranford HS concludes successful wrestling season By JR Parachini Sports Editor CRANFORD — The present and future of Cranford High School wrestling ventured south to Atlantic City as some of the best wrestlers in New Jersey. It was a fitting tribute to another highlight-filled season for the Cougars, one that included a seventh-straight Union County Tournament championship, another Union County Conference–Watchung Division title and a very respectable runner-up showing in District 13. Although freshman Jordan Chapman, senior Colin Murray, junior Shane Kanterman and senior Kevin Shriner did not finish in the top eight in their weight classes to earn medal status, just getting there was a major accomplishment. Chapman and Murray won preliminary round bouts on the first day of the seasonending NJSIAA tournament at AC’s Boardwalk Hall on Thursday, March 3, while Kanterman and Shriner were defeated in their first matches. Union County’s last state champion

remains Christian Barber, during his senior year, in 2011, at 152 pounds. Cranford High School’s last state champion was senior Pat Hogan, winning the 171-pound crown in 2006. Of the 11 Union County wrestlers who made it to Atlantic City last week — competition commenced Thursday, March 3; continued Friday, March 4; and concluded with the finals on Saturday, March 5 — only Westfield High School junior Michael Murphy earned medal status, placing seventh at 157 pounds. Chapman, seeded 16th at 157 pounds, won a preliminary-round major decision by the score of 12-2 against 17th-seeded Phillipsburg High School junior Hunter Cleaver. Chapman was then defeated by top-seeded and eventual state champion Simon Ruiz of Delbarton School by major decision in the pre-quarterfinals. Ruiz, a junior, topped Chapman 10-1. Murray, seeded 12th at 165 pounds, defeated 21st-seeded senior Ashton Navarrete of Hawthorne High School 7-5 in the preliminary round. Murray was then edged by fifth-seeded senior Jurius

Clark of Camden Catholic High School 86 in the pre-quarterfinals. Kanterman, the 15th seed at 190 pounds, was pinned by 18th-seeded senior Jake Fern of Ridge High School in 1:14 in the preliminary round. Shriner, the 20th seed at heavyweight, was pinned by 13th-seeded senior Aidan Geisenheimer of Cherokee High School in 4:56 in the preliminary round. On Friday, March 4, Chapman won two more matches and was then edged in the round of 12 by the score of 6-5 to Shane Cartagena-Walsh of Ocean Township. He just missed placing among the top eight at 157 pounds. “Jordan had a good freshman campaign,” Cranford High School wrestling head coach Pat Gorman said. “We expect to see him on the podium and making it all the way to the finals in the years to come.” Chapman finished 35-5, with four of his losses coming to wrestlers who finished in the top eight in the state. Murray had the same fate on Friday, March 4, winning twice and then losing in

the round of 12 at 165 pounds and just missing a spot among the top eight in his weight class. “Colin was just solid for us,” Gorman said. “He was as consistent as he could be.” Murray, a Union County Tournament champion at Arthur L. Johnson High School and a District 13 champ at Millburn High School, finished 38-3 and won more than 80 matches in his career at Cranford High School. All three of his losses this season were to grapplers who placed among the top eight in the state at 165 pounds. Chapman and Murray both went 3-2, winning and then losing on Thursday, March 3, and then winning twice and losing on Friday, March 4. Shane Kanterman lost his only bouts on Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, going 0-2 to finish 28-10. “This was Shane’s second time qualifying for the states and he had a great season again,” Gorman said. Shriner lost his only Thursday, March 3, match but was able to win his first See WRESTLING, Page 11

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Cranford Life — April 2022 — 11

SPORTS

Wrestling team finishes season in Atlantic City finals (Continued from Page 10) match Friday, March 4, before losing again and being eliminated. He went 1-2 to finish 32-5. Shriner’s win came by pin against John Dodaro of Lacey Township in 45 seconds. “We had a good year,” said Gorman, with the Cougars finishing with a team record of 16-7. “There’s always more to get. With losing only three starters and having another really good freshman class coming in, we have something to build on.” Union County’s last five state champions: • 2011: Christian Barber, Westfield, 152 pounds, senior. • 2008: Jesse Boyden, Brearley, 215 pounds, senior. • 2006: Darrion Caldwell, Rahway, 152 pounds, senior, third time. • 2006: Pat Hogan, Cranford, 171 pounds, senior. • 2005: Ryan Wilson, Rahway, 112 pounds, senior. Darrion Caldwell, who went on to star at North Carolina State. won his third straight and third overall state title in 2006, which was the same year Delbarton senior Mike Grey became the state’s first four-time state champion.

Photo Courtesy of Cranford Wrestling

Cranford’s four wrestlers who qualified for the end-of-season NJSIAA tournament arrived in style in Atlantic City by limousine. From left are assistant coach Gavin Murray, junior Shane Kanterman, assistant coach Derek Francavilla, senior Colin Murray, freshman Jordan Chapman, senior Kevin Shriner and head coach Pat Gorman. Colin Murray and Chapman won preliminary round bouts on the first day.

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