Testimonials

My experience at the Torch program helped me discover many different things about myself that I never knew. It helped me gain a new perspective on life that greatly improved my wrestling and weightlifting workouts. I became more focused in what I was doing and what I knew had to be accomplished. It also allowed me to strengthen my work ethic to where I no longer did the minimum of what had to be done. I now believe that if anything is worth doing it is worth doing to the fullest. This new philosophy has driven me to achieve more than I could ever imagine.

Mike Berardesco Senior wrestler– Ocean Township H.S. 2008 New Jersey State Runner-up @112 pound weight class

When I first came to the Torch Academy I wanted nothing to do with it. I sat there saying to myself wow, am I really going to be doing this for the whole weekend. Little did I know that just being there was the first step to changing my life drastically. That weekend was more then just three of the shortest days of my life, it helped shape me into the person I am to today and want to be tomorrow. I came to terms with a lot of things in my life that I was either ignoring, or just failing to notice. The reasons being, one: I just did not want to deal with the problems and two: I just didn’t know that, the particular matter needed attention. Torch taught me accountability and made me want to change my life for the better. In every aspect whether it was my family, wrestling, or just my own personal struggles, I can honestly say that Torch was one of the most powerful forces in my life and has instilled things in me today that I will never stop using.

Kyle Kiss former Ocean Township High School 171 pound wrestler and 2007 New Jersey State Runner-up, now wrestling for University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Hi Steve,

I got your message. Steven has given us nothing but positive feedback on his experience so far. I just asked him tonight how he likes it so far and his response was "I love it" it is awsome. So I guess you can say he is having a great time. I asked him if he thought it would help him be a better leader and he said it will help me be a better person. So I thank you and your team for the great things you are doing for him. I hope to talk to you again soon. Please let Rick and I know if there is anything we can do. See you soon.

Thanks , Diane Striffolino

Mother of Steve Striffolino, Toms River East Wrestling team captain 2006-07

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The Torch Academy has been beneficial to several Ocean Township wrestlers. In America today,many student athletes have personal coaches and trainers to help them attain their personal and team goals. The Torch Academy prepares students for their most important contest, the game of life.

Students become better citizens by learning how to express themselves, formulate goals, organize, and be responsible. However, the Torch Academy is not a quick fix plan, but rather a continuing educational program for students to follow throughout their lifetime. Students can communicate with their "life coaches" when they need assistance in dealing with real life, everyday situations. The Torch Academy provides a support staff for students so that they always have someone to confide in when necessary.

Steve Gironda and his staff are caring individuals, and will literally do anything for their students. They will even reach out to students and families by visiting their homes; for counseling sessions in order to learn how to interact with each other and enjoy a better quality of life. Steve and his staff have a vested interest in the future of their clients. The Torch Academy has successfully helped many families.

Ken Hoff - Head Wrestling Coach

Ocean Township High School