Opportunity Means More Than Win For Mahwah Eighth Grader

West Nyack, NY - At a whopping 99 pounds, Kyle Bierdumpfel may not have been the largest wrestler competing in the New York vs. New Jersey Charity Challenge this weekend, but the Mahwah eighth grade showed he has the biggest potential to build on when he heads to Don Bosco Prep next fall.

“At MSG Varsity, we’re proud to be presenting this event, because not only does it spotlight the top wrestlers from each state, but it also benefits two great charities. The opportunity to televise this match-up and help bring awareness to these charities falls right in line with MSG Varsity’s mission,” said Michael Lardner, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, MSG Varsity.

The day-long event, hosted by MSG Varsity, pitted the top wrestlers from both states while raising money for the The Adam Frey Foundation and Pinning Down Autism.

"It's an honor to wrestle in front of all these state champions as an eighth grader," Bierdumpfel said. "A lot of the guys have been filling me in on what I can expect in high school. I'm going to go out, have fun, and leave with no regrets. This is a great cause and I couldn't be prouder to be a part of that."

The four-time New Jersey youth state champion fell behind early against Wantagh's Jay Rodriguez who connected on a single leg takedown, but Bierdumpfel battled back for a low ankle takedown just before the end of the first.

An agressive wrestler, Bierdumpfel bided his time to earn some escape points before striking with a pair of takedowns and take the lead 6-5 with 16 seconds left in the second. Rodriguez came out on top in the end after utilizing a gator roll on Bierfumpfel for an 11-7 victory.

"I have to tip my hat to Jay, he hit me with that gator roll and I couldn't overcome that," Bierdumpfel said. "We battled back and forth the whole time and it was an honor to wrestle here."

All of the 15 New Jersey wrestlers competed for the Adam Frey Foundation, a non-profit organization formed by Adam Frey to give comfort and provide enjoyment to those receiving cancer treatments. Frey who wrestled at Blair Academy and Cornell University lost his own battle with cancer in 2009. 

"I want to thank all of the fans, referees, wrestlers, MSG Varsity and everyone else for being here today," Cynthia Frey, President of the Adam Frey Foundation said. "Through your support, the Adam Frey Foundation will be able to continue doing what it does best - support all patients currently undergoing cancer treatments."

New York, which won the overall tournament, 27-23, represented Pinning Down Autism, an organization whose vision is to “hold events that will raise awareness of the autism epidemic, what we can all do to support the advancement of public resources, as well as to raise funds that will go toward biomedical research to find a cure.”

"Our purpose today is to engage wrestlers and raise awareness and funding while support Autism Radio," Jason Bross of Pinning Down Autism said. "Autism Radio provides information to families about their available options and support. All money raised will go directly to families in need."

To see the recap of Bierdumpfel and the rest of New Jersey wrestling for charity, check out the NJ/NY All Star Wrestling Charity Challenge on MSG Varsity, iO TV Channel 14 on Monday March 26, 7:30 p.m.