The Verona Sports Boosters would like to congratulate Joe Ballantyne of the Verona High School wrestling team as the Boys Senior Athlete of the Week.
Joe recently finished fourth in the Essex County wrestling tourney. He also had a third place finish earlier in the year in the Edison Tournament. His record stands at 14-9 this season and the team is an impressive 11-5 heading into their match Tuesday night against Millburn. The match is home and starts at 5 p.m. and is also Senior Night.
Prior to every match, Joe says a short prayer and then walks back and forth and mentally prepares for the match. He feels he performs his best when he is calm as opposed to being hyped up. Joe’s best wrestling memory was placing 3rd last season in the county tournament.
His favorite food is French fries; he loves listening to AC/DC, and watches “SpongeBob SquarePants”. He is a fan of the Yankees, Giants and Rangers. The best vacation Joe ever took was his first time visiting Disney World.
Joe credits Coach Pete Foster as a great coach and for helping him through some tough situations. He also likes Mr. Tamburro as a teacher, saying he is well educated and very funny.
Joe will be attending college in North Carolina next year, but plans to return to Verona to follow in his father’s footsteps as a Verona Police officer. The Verona Sports Boosters hopes Joe is able to achieve all of his dreams for the future.
During the 2014-2015 school year, the Verona Sports Boosters will recognize a different male and female senior athlete at Verona High School. The Boosters support male and female athletes in all VHS sports through a variety of fundraisers and recognition events.
Photos copyright Pam Yao and Donna Giuliano. Used by permission.
