Winning in wrestling means more than just having your arm raised. It’s about the work you put into the sport and the fulfillment of growing into the best version a wrestler could be that defines winning.

That’s the way Frank Sica always saw it.

A Montclair State University graduate in 1963, Sica devoted 55 years to the sport of wrestling as coach and later as a well-respected official.

He was a physical education teacher who also served as the Supervisor of Physical Education, Health, and Safety for more than four decades in Irvington Public Schools. Sica was also an assistant wrestling coach at the school from 1965-1977.

Wanting to stay involved in the sport, Sica became an official in 1978 and worked the whistle for the next 42 seasons, working NJSIAA district, regional and state tournament bouts. He also earned an invitation to work the New Jersey Prep School wrestling championship during his career.

A member of the Union/Essex Chapter of the New Jersey Wrestling Officials Association for 42 years, Sica would rise to become an officer and president as well as serving on the NJWOA Executive Board. He also was an assistant cadet supervisor for three years.

Sica was selected as the “Outstanding Wrestling Official” by the National Federation of High School Athletics in 2008 and served as the weighmaster and scorekeeper at the NJSIAA state wrestling tournament for over 23 years.

An Executive Board Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame New Jersey Chapter, Sica has been with the organization for 23 years, including 15 as Banquet Director, where his diligence, dedication and hard work have really shined.

Sica volunteered with the Visiting Nurses Association where he was a chairman for 23 years, earning the Outstanding Volunteer award in 2015.

Sica lives in Whitehouse Station with his wife Alexis. They have two adult children, Elizabeth and Alexandria.