Next on the Mat: Valor Wrestling Club

Anthony Castro, a Matawan native and a 2004 graduate of Saint John Vianney, started wrestling when he was seven.

He was playing Pop Warner pee wee football when a coach suggested to Castro's father that the young athlete try wrestling.

Since he walked out onto the mat for the first time, Castro has loved the sport and the physical and mental strength needed to be successful.

"I like the competitiveness of it. In other sports, it's you and the team. But in wrestling, it's just you," he said.

The 27-year-old has spent the last few years working as an EMT in Old Bridge and at his brother's business, and even as an assistant coach at an area high school. There was one thing on his mind the whole time, however. He wanted to coach wrestling at his own school.

"It's just something I've always wanted to do. I have knowledge of wrestling that I can share," Castro said.

Finally, he did it. He noticed a space for rent in a shopping center on Route 35 North approaching Amboy Avenue. On May 10, Castro held an open house at , officially marking the opening of his wrestling school.

"Wrestling season is only three months long. But to be successful in this sport you have to wrestle all year long," he said.

Valor Wrestling Club offers group training and one-on-one training Monday through Thursday. The earlier classes, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., are for younger students, Castro said. The later session, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. are for older students. He coaches them in technique, strength and conditioning, and proper mind set. 

Wrestling is a sport that requires as much mental stamina as it does physical, and that's how Castro chose the name Valor.

"A good wrestler is someone who works hard, is dedicated. Someone who is mentally tough and can push past their breaking point," he said. "I saw the definition of valor. It can be extreme bravery or determination, which is basically wrestling if you think about it."

Castro is excited at the prospect of his new school, and coaching athletes to success.

"I'm dedicated to the school. I feel like I have the ability to help young wrestlers achieve their goals," he said. "It's not about me now. It's about the kids and helping them."