Girl, 16, Critically Injured In Wrestling Match At Old Bridge High School

OLD BRIDGE, NJ — A 16-year-old girl from Old Bridge High School suffered a critical injury to her neck in a wrestling match Saturday, according to the school district.

The injury happened during a routine girls' quad wrestling match, where teams from four high schools compete against each other in an all-day tournament. The tournament was held at Old Bridge High School, according to Old Bridge school superintendent Vincent Sasso.

"It was the last match of the day. She was pinned by a (female) opponent from Perth Amboy High School," said Sasso. "She was unable to get up off the mat."

He said the athletic trainer responded immediately and EMS arrived. The girl was taken out of the gym on a backboard and transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. The girl, a high school junior, has since undergone multiple surgeries.

The wrestler from Perth Amboy was not issued any penalties, in what witnesses described as a routine wrestling move.

Sasso said he cannot reveal more information about her medical condition at this time, as the girl's family asks for privacy and "prayers."

"At this time the entire Old Bridge community is praying for her and her family, and a speedy recovery," said Sasso.

A GoFundMe that was launched for the girl, and the school superintendent said he was authorized to share it with the media: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sup...

The injured girl is described as a "vibrant, athletic and high-energy 16-year-old who pours her heart into everything she does — especially wrestling, a sport she truly loves."

Youth wrestling in New Jersey has exploded in recent years, and there has been an expansion of girls' wrestling. Sasso said girls' wrestling and girls' flag football are now two of the most popular sports in the Old Bridge school district, with interest in both surging.