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Sports

"Jordan Oliver Day" Declared in Easton

The national wrestling champion will be honored in his home city on Saturday, April 9.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto has proclaimed that next Saturday, April 9, will be “Jordan Oliver Day” in honor of the local wrestling star's achievements.

“It's very rare that a member of our community reaches national status,” Panto said at a news conference Thursday. “Jordan Oliver has been a product of Easton his whole life...He serves as a great role model for young kids.”

Oliver, a graduate of who is currently a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, capped a no-loss season on March 20 when he won the 133-pound national title at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia.

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A parade to celebrate the day will kick off from Larry Holmes Drive at 2 p.m., proceeding up South Third Street and around the Centre Square. Members of the Easton Area High School Marching Band and Color Guard will lead the festivities, and members of several local midget wrestling teams and cheerleaders will march.

Oliver, selected local dignitaries and Oliver's past coaches will ride in convertibles for the parade. Bobby Weaver and Larry Holmes have also been invited to the event, Panto said.

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'A humble, down-to-earth-kid'

A short ceremony is planned following the procession, where Oliver will be presented with the proclamation announcing the day and former coaches and family members will talk of his achievements.

“It's very rare that we do this, but it's important not just for Jordan, but for the children of Easton,” Panto said, adding that Oliver's mother requested the participation of the local midget wrestling teams.

Oliver's mother, Tina Rosado, said she felt it was important to include local young wrestlers in the event.

“I did involve all the midget programs because I remember the look on his face...when he saw those live heroes in front of him,” she said, adding that since then her son has become a role model for young wrestlers.

Despite this status, Oliver is still modest and a hard worker, she said.

“When you understand the scholar-athlete schedule, you understand how hard they work,” she said. “He's just a humble, down-to-earth kid.”

Panto concurred.

“I've always been impressed by the way he carries himself,” Panto said. “I don't believe in highlighting someone just because he's an athlete. This is because he's a good person too.”

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