Freehold Township is strongest at District Lift-Off for third time

For the third time in five years, Freehold Township High School won the Freehold Regional District Lift-Off.

The host Patriots edged Manalapan 39.5-38.5 in the June 9 weight-lifting competition. Freehold Borough (30) was third and Howell, fourth (28). Neither Colts Neck nor Marlboro competed.

Manalapan’s Joe Kircher had the best bench press of the competition, lifting 325 pounds and winning the heavyweight division.

Freehold Township’s winning effort was sparked by Joe Florio and J.R. Carlino, who became two-time winners. Florio won the 220-pound division with a lift of 315, while Carlino was tops at 180 with 275.

Freehold Township’s other winners were Pete Reilly, 150 division (230); James Buckner, 175 division (225) and Greg Lepore, 185 division (275).

Manalapan had three winners. In addition to Kircher, G.J. Desimone won the 130 division at 190, and Mike Farrar lifted 300 pounds in taking the 200-pound division.

Freehold Borough matched Township with five winners: Brian Maida, 160 division (210); Damian Walcott, 165 (245); Jared Brisman, 170 (245); Islam Khallof, 190 (305), and Jamie Giovanazzo, 210 (315).

Howell had a trio of first-place winners. Sandro Ferduchi won his second Lift-Off title with a huge 260-pound lift that won the 140-pound division. Paul Caparasso tied Walcott at 165 and Ryan Romano also tied for first with Borough’s Brisman at 170.