Frankie Edgar Lends a Helping Hand
by Eric Tamiso
After his impressive unanimous decision victory over Sean Sherk at UFC 98, Frankie “The Answer” Edgar is back in the gym, but also finding time to help someone in need.
On June 7, Edgar will take part in a charity event in Belmar, NJ to help benefit former UVA and Rutgers wrestler Ryan McGrath. McGrath was diagnosed with chronic myloid leukemia last summer, and recently underwent a stem cell transplant. The illness has left McGrath out of work since Christmas, and the event Sunday aims to help ease the financial strain put on him and his family.
The event is being organized by John Leonardis, a personal friend of McGrath’s, and assistant coach on the Rutgers wrestling team with Edgar.
“Frank and I have coached together at Rutgers for the past 2 years. I have so much respect for what Frankie does and how he prepares, and Frankie helping us instill that work ethic into the Rutgers Wrestling Team,” said Leonardis.
For Edgar, now 10-1 in his mixed martial arts career, will sign autographs at the event this Sunday in New Jersey.
“It just feels good. It really is better to give than to receive I guess, you feel a lot better than receiving and that’s the truth,” said Edgar. ““I work with John and Ryan’s a Rutgers alumni so we’re just trying to help each other out.
McGrath wrestled for the Scarlet Knights in 2002 and 2003. McGrath won the ACC Title at 197 pounds at Virginia in 2000, and was now working as a teacher in the Keansburg school district.
As for Edgar’s next move in the world of MMA, he’s already back in the gym training, and now waiting to hear from his boss.
“I’m pretty much just waiting on the UFC. I’d like to fight in the fall, September possibly. I just want to fight someone who’s going to get me a step closer.”
The event takes place at Connolly Station, at 711 Main St. in Belmar, New Jersey from 2-6 PM. For ticket information or how they can help, email John Leonardis at j_leonardis@yahoo.com
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