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Hammertoe Treatment in Perth Amboy, NJ | NJ Sports Spine & Wellness
The toe didn't always look like that. Maybe it started after a long stretch in shoes that pinched, or after a bunion changed how your foot loaded weight, or after your second toe just quietly decided one day not to lie flat anymore. Then a corn appeared on top of the joint, where shoes rub. Then a callus showed up under the ball of the foot. And now the toe stays bent - even when nothing is pressing against it.
Hammertoes are common, progressive, and very treatable. Our podiatrist at NJ Sports Spine & Wellness in Perth Amboy, NJ sees them at every stage - from a barely noticeable curl that responds to a different shoe, to a rigid, painful deformity that needs surgical correction. The right approach depends on how flexible the toe still is, how much it hurts, and what you need your feet to do.
This page covers what a hammertoe is, why they develop, how we treat them, and what makes our practice a good fit for serious foot care.
- Hammertoe Treatment in Perth Amboy, NJ
- What Is a Hammertoe?
- Common Hammertoe Symptoms
- What Causes a Hammertoe?
- Non-Surgical Hammertoe Treatment in Perth Amboy, NJ
- Hammertoe Surgery in Perth Amboy, NJ
- Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction in Perth Amboy, NJ
- Why Choose NJ Sports Spine & Wellness for Hammertoe Treatment in Perth Amboy, NJ
- Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoes
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a toe deformity in which the middle joint of the toe bends downward, forcing the tip to point toward the floor. The shape resembles the head of a hammer - which is exactly where the name comes from. It most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toe, and it often shows up in feet that already have a bunion or significant mechanical issues.
Hammertoes fall into two categories, and the distinction matters for treatment:
Flexible hammertoe
The toe is bent but can still be manually straightened. Treatment focuses on preserving flexibility, controlling pain, and slowing progression.
Rigid hammertoe
The toe has lost the ability to straighten. The joint has stiffened, and surgical correction is usually the most effective path forward.
Most hammertoes start flexible and gradually become rigid if they aren't addressed. That's why earlier care almost always means more options.
Common Hammertoe Symptoms
Hammertoes announce themselves through both visual changes and patterns of pain. Many patients first notice the appearance - a toe that's curled where it didn't used to be, or that stays bent even when there's no shoe touching it. The discomfort tends to follow shortly after.
Common signs of a hammertoe include:
- A visibly bent middle toe joint
- A corn or thickened skin on top of the affected toe, from shoe friction
- Calluses on the ball of the foot beneath the bent toe
- Pain in the toe when walking, standing, or wearing certain shoes
- Redness, swelling, or warmth around the joint
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the toe
- Open sores or blisters in advanced cases, especially in patients with diabetes
- Difficulty finding shoes that don't aggravate the joint
The corn or callus is often what brings patients in. The pain at the top of the toe - where shoes rub against the raised joint - becomes a daily irritation that doesn't respond to home remedies, because the underlying problem is structural.
What Causes a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe develops when the muscles and tendons that control the toe fall out of balance. The tendons that pull the toe up and the ones that pull it down work against each other, and when that balance shifts - usually over years - the joint settles into a bent position.
Several factors contribute to that imbalance:
- Genetics and foot structure - Some feet are simply built in a way that predisposes them to hammertoes. If your parents had them, your risk is higher.
- Footwear - Shoes that crowd the toes - narrow, pointed, or too short - force them into a bent position over and over until the position becomes permanent. High heels concentrate the problem by pushing weight forward.
- Bunions - When a bunion pushes the big toe inward, it crowds the neighboring toes and often triggers hammertoe formation in the second toe.
- Arthritis - Inflammatory joint disease damages the small joints of the toes and can lead to progressive deformity.
- Injury - A previous toe fracture, jam, or trauma can alter mechanics and trigger a hammertoe over time.
- Nerve and muscle conditions - Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and certain neurological conditions weaken the small muscles of the foot and can accelerate hammertoe formation.
The takeaway: you didn't get a bunion because you wore the wrong shoes once. It's almost always a combination of how your foot is built and how it's been used over years.
Non-Surgical Hammertoe Treatment in Perth Amboy, NJ
When a hammertoe is still flexible, conservative care can be remarkably effective. The goal isn't full anatomical correction - once the joint has started bending, complete straightening usually requires surgery - but to control pain, preserve flexibility, and slow the slide toward a rigid joint.
Our podiatrist builds non-surgical plans around what's actually causing your symptoms. Common options include:
Footwear changes
This is often the single most important step. Shoes with a wider, deeper toe box give the toes room to lie flat. Soft, flexible uppers reduce friction over the bent joint. Lower heels shift weight off the forefoot. These changes alone can dramatically reduce pain.
Custom orthotics
A properly designed orthotic supports the arch, controls pronation, and redistributes pressure away from the ball of the foot and the bent toe joint. For patients whose hammertoes are driven by foot mechanics - not just shoes - orthotics are often the most impactful single treatment.
Toe splints and pads
Gel pads cushion the corn or callus and reduce friction inside the shoe. Splints can hold the toe in a straighter position and help maintain flexibility. Neither corrects the underlying deformity, but both can meaningfully reduce day-to-day pain.
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Targeted exercises - toe stretches, towel scrunches, marble pickups - strengthen the small intrinsic muscles of the foot and improve toe flexibility. When a hammertoe is caught early, consistent exercise can slow or sometimes halt progression.
Anti-inflammatory care
For flare-ups, ice protocols, topical or oral anti-inflammatories, and occasional corticosteroid injections can break the pain cycle and let the joint calm down.
Physical therapy
Because NJ Sports Spine & Wellness brings podiatry and physical therapy under one roof, our podiatrist often coordinates with our PT team for gait retraining and lower-extremity strengthening when foot mechanics are part of the picture.
Many patients with flexible hammertoes manage them effectively for years on this kind of layered plan. The conversation about surgery starts when the joint stiffens, when conservative care can no longer control the pain, or when secondary problems - like recurring infected corns or skin ulcers - start showing up.
Hammertoe Surgery in Perth Amboy, NJ
When a hammertoe has become rigid, or when pain persists despite consistent conservative care, surgical correction can realign the toe and resolve the symptoms that have been pulling your attention down to your foot all day.
Several surgical approaches are available, and the right one depends on the specifics of your deformity:
Tendon release or transfer
for flexible hammertoes that don't respond to conservative care. The procedure rebalances the tendons that are pulling the toe into the bent position.
Arthroplasty
for rigid hammertoes. A small portion of the stiffened joint is removed to allow the toe to straighten.
Arthrodesis (joint fusion)
for severe, painful rigid hammertoes. The joint is fused in a corrected position, providing permanent stability and pain relief.
Many of these corrections can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Small incisions, specialized instruments, and modern fixation hardware allow the procedure to be done with less trauma to the surrounding tissue. The cosmetic result is better, and patients generally experience less postoperative discomfort and a sooner return to walking.
Our podiatrist will examine your foot, review imaging, and recommend the approach most likely to give you a durable, functional result - not just for the affected toe, but for your foot as a whole.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction in Perth Amboy, NJ
Modern minimally invasive techniques have changed what hammertoe surgery looks like and feels like:
- Smaller incisions and minimal visible scarring
- Less disruption to surrounding tendons and soft tissue
- Reduced post-operative swelling and discomfort
- Earlier weight-bearing in most cases
- Precise correction of the joint with modern fixation
- Better long-term cosmetic and functional outcomes
These advantages matter especially for patients who want their feet to look and function normally, and who can't afford to be off their feet for an extended period.
Why Choose NJ Sports Spine & Wellness for Hammertoe Treatment in Perth Amboy, NJ
A hammertoe rarely exists in isolation. It usually shows up alongside a bunion, alongside arch problems, or in the context of a foot whose mechanics have been off for years. Treating the toe without considering everything around it tends to produce short-term relief and long-term frustration.
That's where our integrated approach matters:
A board-certified podiatrist with both conservative and surgical expertise
You won't be funneled toward surgery because that's the only tool available. Our podiatrist treats the full spectrum of hammertoe presentations - from early, flexible deformities to rigid, painful joints - and recommends what's genuinely best for your foot.
A multidisciplinary team under one roof
Hammertoes often connect to broader mechanical issues. Our Perth Amboy, NJ office combines podiatry with physical therapy, chiropractic care, sports medicine, and pain management - so you can address the toe and the upstream causes in one place.
Sports medicine experience
Many of our patients are athletes, runners, or active adults who need their feet to perform, not just survive. Our care model is built around getting people back to the activities they love.
Patient education that respects your time
You'll leave your first appointment knowing what you have, what your options are, and what we'd recommend and why. No pressure, no upsell - just the information you need to make a good decision.
Local, accessible care
Our Perth Amboy, NJ office is built around making thorough foot care convenient, with appointment availability designed to fit real schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoes
A flexible hammertoe - one that can still be manually moved into a straight position - can often be managed effectively with non-surgical care. Splints, taping, exercises, orthotics, and the right shoes can reduce pain and slow progression. A rigid hammertoe, where the joint has stiffened, cannot be fully straightened without surgical correction. That's why early evaluation matters: the sooner we see the toe, the more likely conservative care will be enough.
All three involve abnormal bending of the smaller toes, but the affected joints differ. A hammertoe bends at the middle joint of the toe. A mallet toe bends at the joint closest to the toenail. A claw toe involves bending at both joints, often combined with an upward bend at the base of the toe. Treatment principles overlap considerably, though the specific surgical approach may vary.
Look for shoes with a wide, deep toe box that doesn't press down on the bent joint. Soft, flexible uppers reduce friction over the corn or callus. A low heel shifts weight away from the forefoot. Stiff-soled shoes can also help by reducing the bending forces on the toes. Many athletic and comfort-focused brands now make styles specifically designed for patients with toe deformities.
Look for a wide, rounded toe box that doesn't squeeze the joint, a low heel (under one inch is ideal), soft and flexible upper material that won't rub the bunion, and good arch support. Many athletic and walking brands now make models specifically designed with bunion-friendly features. During your appointment, our podiatrist can recommend specific styles that suit the shape of your foot.
Recurrence is uncommon when the underlying foot mechanics are addressed alongside the surgical correction. If a hammertoe is corrected but the original drivers - poor footwear, untreated bunions, abnormal pronation - aren't addressed, the deformity can return over time. A comprehensive treatment plan that combines surgery with mechanical correction and supportive care offers the best long-term results.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Feet
If you've been managing around a bent toe - adjusting your shoes, dodging the corn, hoping it doesn't get worse - there's a better path forward. Our podiatry team in Perth Amboy, NJ can examine your foot, identify exactly what's happening, and build a plan that fits your life.
Schedule a consultation today. Call (908) 866-7246 or request an appointment online - we offer same-day availability for many appointments.
Latest News in Perth Amboy, NJ
Perth AmboySayreville
maxpreps.comhttps://www.maxpreps.com/games/5-8-2026/softball-26/perth-amboy-vs-sayreville.htm?c=0XrlvEP_OES-0YDcj4-dXA
The Sayreville (Parlin, NJ) varsity softball team has a home non-conference game vs. Perth Amboy (NJ) on Friday, May 8 @ 4:15p.Perth Amboy @ Sayreville Softball Game InfoThe Sayreville (Parlin, NJ) varsity softball team has a home non-conference game vs. Perth Amboy (NJ) on Friday, May 8 @ 4:15p.Rankings & RecordsHead-to-HeadCommon Opponents SchoolCommon Opp. Rec.SchoolCommon ...
The Sayreville (Parlin, NJ) varsity softball team has a home non-conference game vs. Perth Amboy (NJ) on Friday, May 8 @ 4:15p.
Perth Amboy @ Sayreville Softball Game Info
The Sayreville (Parlin, NJ) varsity softball team has a home non-conference game vs. Perth Amboy (NJ) on Friday, May 8 @ 4:15p.
Rankings & Records
Head-to-Head
Common Opponents
| School | Common Opp. Rec. | School | Common Opp. Rec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perth Amboy | 0-0 | Sayreville | 0-0 |
| Date | Away | Home | Result | Date | Away | Home | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/23/26 | Colonia | Perth Amboy | 4/4/26 | Sayreville | Colonia | |||
| 4/25/26 | Colonia | Sayreville | ||||||
| 4/2/26 | Perth Amboy | North Brunswick | 3/20/26 | Sayreville | North Brunswick | |||
| 4/21/26 | North Brunswick | Perth Amboy | ||||||
| 4/6/26 | Perth Amboy | Edison | 5/11/26 | Edison | Sayreville | |||
| 4/25/26 | Edison | Perth Amboy | ||||||
| 4/11/26 | Perth Amboy | East Brunswick Vo-Tech | 4/27/26 | Sayreville | East Brunswick Vo-Tech | |||
| 4/18/26 | Perth Amboy | Middlesex County Vo-Tech | 5/4/26 | Sayreville | Middlesex County Vo-Tech | |||
| 4/20/26 | Woodbridge | Perth Amboy | 3/31/26 | Sayreville | Woodbridge | |||
| 5/9/26 | Woodbridge | Perth Amboy | ||||||
| 4/25/26 | Perth Amboy | Edison | 3/27/26 | Edison | Sayreville | |||
| 4/28/26 | Spotswood | Perth Amboy | 4/7/26 | Sayreville | Spotswood | |||
| 5/2/26 | Spotswood | Sayreville | ||||||
| 5/11/26 | Monroe Township | Perth Amboy | 5/5/26 | Monroe Township | Sayreville | |||
| 5/16/26 | Perth Amboy | East Brunswick | 4/2/26 | East Brunswick | Sayreville |
Record Breakdown
| 0-0 | Overall | 0-0 |
|---|---|---|
| 0-0 | League | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Non-League | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Head to Head | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Common Opponent | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Home | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Away | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Neutral | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Playoff | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | In-State | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Out-of-State | 0-0 |
Victory! Court Vacates Bogus Blight Designation of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Properties
Institute for Justicehttps://ij.org/press-release/victory-court-vacates-bogus-blight-designation-of-perth-amboy-new-jersey-properties/
IJ is a public interest law firm. We represent clients free of charge in cutting-edge litigation defending vital constitutional rights. You can join us by supporting our work here: ij.org/supportPerth Amboy, N.J.—Today, Judge Benjamin Bucca Jr. vacated a blight designation by Perth Amboy, New Jersey, against properties owned by Honey Meerzon and Luis Romero. Blight designations are often used to justify taking property using eminent domain, usually to indicate properties in disrepair that the go...
IJ is a public interest law firm. We represent clients free of charge in cutting-edge litigation defending vital constitutional rights. You can join us by supporting our work here: ij.org/support
Perth Amboy, N.J.—Today, Judge Benjamin Bucca Jr. vacated a blight designation by Perth Amboy, New Jersey, against properties owned by Honey Meerzon and Luis Romero. Blight designations are often used to justify taking property using eminent domain, usually to indicate properties in disrepair that the government wants to seize for redevelopment. But, as today’s ruling shows, their properties weren’t blighted at all. Honey and Luis teamed up with the Institute for Justice (IJ) to challenge the bogus blight designation.
“Today’s ruling means the government can’t take away your livelihood just because they want to give it to someone else,” said Honey.
Honey and Luis come from different backgrounds but have many things in common. Their parents both fled oppressive government regimes in search of a better life for their children. They both worked hard over the years to build successful businesses, and they both hope to leave a legacy for future generations. Luis and Honey own properties right next to each other in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Honey owns a rental property that houses four families, and Luis runs a successful tire and auto repair shop. Perth Amboy wanted to take the two properties for no other reason than it wanted different businesses instead.
“Today’s ruling means that the Court saw this ‘blight’ determination for what it was: a city’s naked attempt to take private property from hard-working people for no reason other than it would prefer something else in its place,” said IJ Attorney Bobbi Taylor. “New Jersey law does not allow them to do so.”
Perth Amboy claimed these properties were blighted to justify taking them through eminent domain. But, in New Jersey the government must come forward with substantial, credible evidence of conditions like “dilapidation,” “obsolescence,” “overcrowding,” or “faulty arrangement or design.” But there was no evidence that Honey and Luis’ properties met these criteria.
As Judge Bucca said in his order, “[Perth Amboy] failed to provide substantial, credible evidence to support the designation under any applicable statutory criteria, instead relying on speculative assertions, generalized concerns, and incomplete or unreliable evidence.”
Honey and Luis’s case is just the latest instance of local governments abusing their eminent domain power by twisting the definition of blight. IJ is also currently defending property and business owners fighting bogus blight designations in Mississippi, and Missouri, and homeowners in Georgia who are being threatened with eminent domain for a private railway.
“Government officials are always eager to seize people’s hard-earned property in order to give it to somebody they like better,” said IJ Deputy Director of Litigation Robert McNamara. “Fortunately, as today’s ruling illustrates, IJ always stands ready to stop them.”
Matt Powers Reporting and Communications Manager mpowers@ij.orgSayreville rallies by Perth Amboy in GMCT 1st round first round for Wojcik’s 200th
Anthony Gabbianellihttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2026/02/sayreville-edges-perth-amboy-gmc-tournament-first-round-boys-basketball-recap.html
The two greatest scorers in Sayreville boys basketball history once again pooled their impressive resources to help the Bombers achieve two important milestones in one game.Seniors Sam Jones and Chidi Chukwurah combined for 41 points and were at their collective best in the second half to rally seventh-seeded Sayreville past scrappy 10th-seeded Perth Amboy in the Greater Middlesex Tournament first round and present head coach John Wojcik with his 200th career victory, 59-53, Thursday in Sayreville.Jones netted a game-high 23 po...
The two greatest scorers in Sayreville boys basketball history once again pooled their impressive resources to help the Bombers achieve two important milestones in one game.
Seniors Sam Jones and Chidi Chukwurah combined for 41 points and were at their collective best in the second half to rally seventh-seeded Sayreville past scrappy 10th-seeded Perth Amboy in the Greater Middlesex Tournament first round and present head coach John Wojcik with his 200th career victory, 59-53, Thursday in Sayreville.
Jones netted a game-high 23 points, Chukwurah contributed 19 and senior Ziyan Jones (no relation to Sam) chipped in with 14 to steer the Bombers (15-9) back from a 27-20 halftime deficit and send them into the quarterfinals Saturday against second-seeded Piscataway.
The Chiefs ended Sayreville’s GMCT bid last year, 73-62, in the semifinal round, and then Piscataway lost to Colonia in the final.
Sam Jones is Sayreville’s all-time scoring leader with 1,752 points and Chukwurah is right behind at 1,681. Each entered the season aiming for the old record of 1,546 points established by 1974 graduate Steve Makwinski.
Perth Amboy (21-5), which entered with a five-game winning streak, was led by Yandel Susana and Bryham Paulino with 15 points apiece and fellow senior Ricardo Reyes with 13.
Wojcik is now 200-173 in his 16th season with Sayreville. His team last season finished 23-5 and reached the Central, Group 4 quarterfinals.
| 2/12 - 7:00 PM Boys Basketball | Final |
|---|---|
| Perth Amboy | 53 |
| Sayreville | 59 |
Perth Amboy (21-5) led 19-9 after the first quarter when Sayreville (15-9) cut the lead down by halftime to 27-20.
In the third quarter, Sayreville used a 20-7 to jump ahead of Perth Amboy, 40-34. Each team scored 19 points in the fourth quarter as Sayreville held on to win.
Chidi Chukwurah scored 19 points for Sayreville. Ziyan Jones had 14 points.
Yandel Susana and Bryham Paulino each scored 15 points for Perth Amboy. Ricardo Reyes had 13 points.
Sayreville will face second-seeded Piscataway in the quarterfinal round on Saturday. Piscataway took down 18th-seeded North Plainfield 95-40 in its first round matchup.
10 most expensive homes sold in Perth Amboy area, Jan. 26-Feb. 8
Real Estate Newswirehttps://www.nj.com/realestate-news/2026/02/10-most-expensive-homes-sold-in-perth-amboy-area-jan-26-feb-8.html
A single-family home in Perth Amboy that sold for $735,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Perth Amboy area in the past week.Over the past week, a total of 11 residential real estate sales were registered in the area, with an average price of $516,364, or $333 per square foot.The prices in the list below include real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Jan. 26 even if the property sold earlier.10. $375K, single-family home at 490 McKeon StreetA sale h...
A single-family home in Perth Amboy that sold for $735,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Perth Amboy area in the past week.
Over the past week, a total of 11 residential real estate sales were registered in the area, with an average price of $516,364, or $333 per square foot.
The prices in the list below include real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Jan. 26 even if the property sold earlier.
10. $375K, single-family home at 490 McKeon Street
A sale has been finalized for the single-family home at 490 McKeon Street in Perth Amboy. The price was $375,000. The house was built in 1919. The deal was closed on Jan. 16.
9. $410K, single-family home at 136 1st Street
A 1,508-square-foot single-family residence at 136 1st Street in Perth Amboy has been sold. The total purchase price was $410,000, $272 per square foot. The house was built in 1890. The transaction was completed on Jan. 5.
8. $420K, single-family home at 318 High Street
The single-family house at 318 High Street in Perth Amboy has new owners. The price was $420,000. The home was built in 1969 and has a living area of 1,400 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $300. The deal was finalized on Jan. 7.
7. $424K, single-family home at 794 Stephen Ave.
A 1,391-square-foot single-family house at 794 Stephen Ave. in Perth Amboy has been sold. The total purchase price was $424,000, $305 per square foot. The home was built in 1957. The transaction was completed on Jan. 9.
6. $560K, single-family home at 646 Franklin Drive
The sale of the single-family home at 646 Franklin Drive in Perth Amboy has been finalized. The price was $560,000. The house was built in 1969 and has a living area of 1,350 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $415. The deal was closed on Jan. 8.
5. $575K, single-family home at 159 Market Street
The single-family residence at 159 Market Street in Perth Amboy has new owners. The price was $575,000. The house was built in 1901 and has a living area of 2,490 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $231. The deal was finalized on Jan. 15.
4. $620K, single-family home at 588 Charles Street
The sale of the single-family home at 588 Charles Street in Perth Amboy has been finalized. The price was $620,000. The home was built in 1929 and has a living area of 1,930 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $321. The transaction was completed on Jan. 16.
3. $635K, single-family home at 376 Barclay Street
A 1,701-square-foot single-family residence at 376 Barclay Street in Perth Amboy has been sold. The total purchase price was $635,000, $373 per square foot. The home was built in 1929. The deal was finalized on Jan. 16.
2. $656K, single-family home at 397 Rector Street
A sale has been finalized for the single-family house at 397 Rector Street in Perth Amboy. The price was $656,000. The house was built in 1909 and the living area totals 1,600 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $410. The deal was closed on Jan. 13.
1. $735K, single-family home at 448 Baker Place
A 2,312-square-foot single-family residence at 448 Baker Place in Perth Amboy has been sold. The total purchase price was $735,000, $318 per square foot. The house was built in 1961. The deal was closed on Jan. 5.
Wrestling without fear, this N.J. team continues stunning turnaround
Joe Zedalishttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2026/02/wrestling-with-confidence-and-without-fear-this-nj-wrestling-team-has-had-stunning-turnaround.html
Head coach Roberto Morales admitted he hid his expectations from his Perth Amboy wrestling team. 2/11 - 7:00 PM Wrestling Final Linden 30 Perth Amboy 45 He had his reasons. The biggest: his senior class was 12-42 in their first three seasons.So Morales lowered his goals -- at least those he shared with his team.“I told them we won six matches (last season) so let’s try...
Head coach Roberto Morales admitted he hid his expectations from his Perth Amboy wrestling team.
| 2/11 - 7:00 PM Wrestling | Final |
|---|---|
| Linden | 30 |
| Perth Amboy | 45 |
He had his reasons. The biggest: his senior class was 12-42 in their first three seasons.
So Morales lowered his goals -- at least those he shared with his team.
“I told them we won six matches (last season) so let’s try and win seven,” he said. “We haven’t sent a kid to the regions since 2022, so let’s try and push somebody through.”
Morales, who has been coaching wrestling in the Perth Amboy district for 30 years, was sandbagging.
“I didn’t tell them we could have 14 wins or contend for the division title,” Morales said.
“Our seniors had two wins, four wins and then six wins,” Morales said. “I remember seeing them as freshmen and thinking if they can just stick together ...”
Well they did.
With a little help from some first-time starters and improved returners, Perth Amboy won its 14th dual meet on Wednesday night, defeating Linden, 45-30.
Now 14-3, Perth Amboy has won five-straight dual meets. It wrestles its final regular-season dual Friday night at North Plainfield.
“This is a special group,” Morales said. “They’re a mixed bag. They have a little bit of everything. We start three kids who didn’t wrestle at all last year. They put a little life in the program.”
In the win over Linden, Perth Amboy won nine bouts, including key victories by Ricardo Henriquez, who had a pin at 175 pounds, and Branden Rodriguez, who followed with a technical fall at 190 after Linden closed to within 28-24 with four bouts to go.
“This absolutely was a match we would have lost last year,” Morales said. “Our kids are in great shape. We have good senior leadership.
“I think it’s the first time we’ve beaten Linden -- at least since I’ve been head coach.”
It’s been a year where Perth Amboy wrestles with confidence and without fear.
Wrestling without its regular 138-pounder, Morales won the toss and made a move, which would change the match.
He sent Abdiel Perez out at 132 and bumped Kevin Alba Hernandez up to 138.
“When I told Abdiel he was going out he was saying ‘but coach I haven’t won a match.’ I told him I had confidence in him.”
Perez won by major decision.
Hernandez, a senior, followed with a first-period pin.
Perth Amboy also won the next three bouts at 144, 150 and 157 and opened up a 28-18 lead.
“The move worked out,” Morales said. “That got us rolling.
“In the last few years, we’ve used 25 or 30 different kids in the lineup. But this year, we had pretty much the same lineup. It makes a difference.”
Perth Amboy has earned a spot in the IBEW Local 102/NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 5 Tournament. The closest the Panthers have come to a winning season since 2010 were a pair of 12-12 seasons in 2013 and 2017.
When it wrestles at top-seeded Jackson Township next Monday, Perth Amboy will be making its fourth sectional appearance. It has one tournament victory -- that came in 2016 when the Panthers defeated Ridge, 43-27.
“Look at Ridge now,” Morales said.
Being big underdogs against the 15-2 Jaguars, who are ranked No. 14 in the state by NJ.com, doesn’t matter to Morales.
“Making the sectionals is a big deal, man,” Morales said. “Consider where we’ve come from. When you make the sectionals it means you are doing something right.
“I don’t expect us to come out and shock the world or anything,” he added. “Our kids will be ready to wrestle. They’ll give a good effort. We will win some (bouts).”
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