These few weeks of the year afford me an opportunity to spend time with local athletes. As these young adults compete at the local, regional and state level its obvious that one pair really stand out.

For those of you in the lower Valley who have had the chance to

know them, you’ll quickly recognize the names, Aaron and Eric. To the rest of

the Valley you have read their accomplishments in the pages of the Valley

Record. To opposing wrestlers, they’re known as the Pedeferri brothers, a name

synonymous with achievement.

Aaron and Eric Pedeferri come from a long history of wrestlers as you

see in this week’s edition of your Valley Record. But beyond the

accomplishments listed are two individuals, and their family, who typify the good things.

These two brothers unselfishly hail the accomplishments of those

around them. When they win – and yes, it’s most of the time – they do not revel in

the misery of their opponent. They in fact congratulate and move on to the

next challenge.

Behind them are parents who push just enough to help them focus, but

not so much as to create resentment. These parents are proud of their kids for

what they are, and what they can do, but I would guess that no matter what

Aaron and Eric did, those same parents would be proud.

Realize that these kids have accomplished things in wrestling that

most only dream of. They have made these accomplishments without the benefit

of a wrestling room at Cedarcrest, without the support of sports facilities

comparable to other KingCo schools.

My hats off to Margaret and Walt Pedeferri and the great boys they

have. We are all very proud of you and your accomplishments and look forward

to many more years of the Pedeferri name on the winning list.

Jim McKiernan