Williams / Finizio Award-#1 team in N.J.

T. Ralph "Pug" Williams was a great coach. He was trained to be a boxer hence the name "Pug". He started wrestling at Roselle Park High School in 1936. The highly succesful and popular coach stopped coaching in 1961 and became the state tournament director from 1962 to 1974. He also found the time to conduct many clinics at Roselle Park High School. He also was the first recipient of the "Lake Award". He is also a member of the Helms National Wrestling Hall Of Fame. Ernie Finizio is the only man to have wrestled,refereed,coached,in the state tournament as well as serving as it's director . Ernie retired as Supt.of Schools at Roselle Park and worked for the NJSIAA as it's Executive Director. During Ernie term as Director the tournament added wrestle-backs,medals for up to 8 places,created the 4 site prelims, and instituted a Sectional and Group Team Championship.

Williams/Finizio Award Winners