Edge Wrestling

Bios

• 

  Ernie Monaco Sr.

  Owner & Founder

  In 1984, Ernie revolutionized wrestling training by founding The Edge School of Wrestling, where he has been training wrestlers of all ages ever since. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2022 and received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award. Ernie has been actively involved with the New Jersey Wrestling Federation as a member of the Coaches Council and also served as a Member at Large on the executive board. He has coached Junior, Cadet (16U), and Schoolboy (14U) levels for both boys and girls on the New Jersey Wrestling Federation National Teams for over 25 years. Additionally, he was an advisory board member for Asics Corporation and is a USA Wrestling certified coach with Copper, Bronze, and Teal certifications. In 2009, Martin Floreani, the founder of FloWrestling, referred to Ernie as "The Godfather" and "The Originator" of club wrestling. This title acknowledges his pioneering role in mainstreaming amateur wrestling as a full-time private wrestling school with The Edge School of Wrestling, established in 1984. ​ Ernie's coaching legacy includes former program members who have gone on to become head coaches at prestigious institutions such as Princeton University, Columbia University, Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, Blair Academy, and Delbarton High School, as associate head coaches at Virginia Tech, North Carolina State University, the University of Wisconsin, and Rutgers University, while others have served as assistant coaches at Oklahoma State University, Purdue University, Indiana University, and Hofstra University. His influence extended to a USA Wrestling National Freestyle Development and Resident Coach as well. Among his athletes, some have been recognized with titles such as NCAA Division I Coach of the Year, NHSCA Coach of the Year, New Jersey State Coach of the Year, Pennsylvania (PIAA) Girls' Wrestling Coach of the Year, and President of Florida USA Wrestling. Ernie's outstanding coaching achievements have established Edge Wrestling as one of the most respected and recognized programs in the country. The success of his students at every level has made "The Edge" a well-known name among college coaches and recruiters. With a remarkable record that boasts more New Jersey High School State Champions (116) and more New Jersey State Runners-Up (97) than any other program, Ernie's impact on the sport of wrestling is significant. He has 26 years of experience in education as a teacher and has been recognized as "Teacher of the Year," and has 43 years of coaching experience. For a comprehensive list of the achievements of Ernie's Edge Wrestling program, please visit our Honors page.

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  Link: Ernie Monaco Sr.

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  Ernie Monaco Jr.

  Director of Operations

  Ernie is the son of the owner and founder of Edge Wrestling. He holds multiple roles at The Edge, including Director of Operations, Website Manager, and Assistant for K-8 Dual Team Coordination. Additionally, Ernie manages the social media accounts for Edge on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. As a USA Wrestling Certified Coach with Cooper, Bronze, and Teal Certifications, Ernie has some experience in wrestling and has been involved in the sport his entire life. He also serves as the Summer Training Coordinator at our Warren location, in addition to his other business responsibilities. Ernie studied at The College of New Jersey, where he worked as a Wrestling Manager while pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Integrated STEM Education and a minor in Computer Science. He earned his Bachelor's degree in August 2020 and his Master's of Arts in Teaching in Special Education in May 2021. Currently, Ernie is a Special Education Teacher in the Long Hill Township School District.

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  Link: Ernie Monaco Jr.

• Frank Giordano

  Assistant Coach

  Frank is a graduate of Seton Hall University, where he earned a degree in Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education, while also competing in wrestling. For the past 24 years, he has worked as a teacher at Wallington High School. Frank attended Union High School and participated in the Edge Wrestling Program (Belleville/Kenilworth) from fifth grade through high school. During his time at Union High School, he was a state placer in wrestling in 1994. Following his high school career, Frank coached at Becton Regional High School for 17 years, where he achieved great success with his athletes. He is a USA Wrestling Certified Coach, holding Copper, Bronze, and Teal certifications. Frank has returned to the Edge as a coach for the Youth Class and is also coaching the K-8 Club Team.

  Certifications:

  Link: Frank Giordano