The temperature was in the high 70’, a soft breeze under a sky that carried puffy white clouds across blue skies.

It was as perfect day for golf, with 120 players sharing the Mercer Oaks Golf Club in West Windsor, N.J. More important was the bottom line of the event.

The 22nd annual outing’s goal was to seek and raise contributions, donations and gifts to provide wrestling camps and clinic scholarships to deserving youth seeking to improve and enhance their skills in the sport of amateur wrestling. The outing would also make contributions to selected and relief organizations such as the NJ Vietnam Memorial, as well as children’s hospitals such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald House.

It was also a day to reconnect with old friends, to make new friends and simply enjoy the day; even if tee shots found bushes, and even if it took three or more shots to find the green.

“Today’s all about having fun out there with a bunch of guys you go through the season with and see them all at once. It’s a fun time,” John Verderosa said, “and something to look forward to every year. I’m not a good golfer, but I love to play.”

“I’m here to support the Wrestling Hall of Fame, the best New Jersey has to offer and the best wrestling in the state; in all of the country,” said Bruce Moran. “I love being here and seeing some old friends. It’s a beautiful day and a beautiful organization.”

Howie O’Neill, president of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall Fame, is another who takes part to experience the camaraderie of the event. Also, he said, “to help the spirit of the wrestling community…I play for the fun.”

There was no shortage of fun in the two-seated golf cart for Anthony Zullo and Carlo Socio. Both wrestling officials, Zullo got the first jab at his buddy, saying, “I’m stuck with him.”

Former wrestlers at Middlesex County College when both were 18, Socio was asked if they wrestled at the same weight. “I was heavier,” he cracked, “but not that much anymore.”

Pat Morgan was Zullo’s first coach, in fifth grade.

“This is a great golf course,” he said. “I love to play golf, but this also helps the (NJ) Hall of Fame. “It’s a fun day to see guys I almost like,” he said with a smile, “and one friend.”

A threesome of women were all smiles walking down an incline after a flag was planted back in the hole.

Erica Creighton was another enjoying the day, though she hadn’t swung a club in 20 years. “But I’m out here!” she said with a big smile.

Before teeing off on the 15th hole, Bill Garbarini was asked why he walked more than three hours on the spacious lawns. “I’m an 83-year-old golfer, who clearly wants to support the New Jersey Hall of Fame,” he said. “I have three lovely friends that I brought. It’s a great afternoon. They do a good job, and if I can help support my fellow committee members I do.

“I plan on staying for dinner,” he added, “and I hope to win some prizes.”

Ken Bernabe, Chair of the event, was quite pleased with the overall operation. “It was a wonderful opportunity and a day that rewarded 120 golfers with beautiful weather, a bountiful breakfast and dinner, and a charitable giving. What more can you ask for?"