Carl is a 17-year old from Warren Twp. New Jersey and a junior at Watchung Hills Regional High School. A typical teenager, he enjoys listening to the music of Bruce Springsteen, rooting for the NY Yankees, surfing at the Jersey shore, and collecting baseball cards. An outstanding wrestler ranked 7th in New Jersey in the 189 lb. weight class, Carl was also named one of the top 100 baseball players in the United States as a preseason Junior All-American.

But Carl Riccio's athletic skills are his least important attributes, according to those who know him best. He's so well liked and respected. He's a great friend to many around the campus of Watchung Regional High School in Warren Twp., and is an inspiration to all who know him.

Maybe that's why now, on the ropes and fighting a tough opponent, Carl is drawing the largest crowds of his career. Of course Tricia and Pete Sr. are in his corner night and day - just what you'd expect from such a loving set of parents. His older sister and brother make it back from school in Pennsylvania every chance they get. Kerry attends the Philadelphia School of Pharmacy and Peter Jr. plays baseball for Villanova University. Carl's younger siblings, Shane and Tyler, still in the Warren school system, are a constant presence. But Carl Riccio's family has grown so much larger than his own family that includes 31 cousins! Support from classmates, community members, even those who do not know Carl, and from athletic organizations across the country has been overwhelming.

Some of this love flows simply from the fact that a star athlete caught a bad break. But there's so much more to the story, and it all starts with Carl - a talented athlete whose most impressive qualities continue to shine off the mat and the field, and whose drive and determination truly make him the Ultimate Warrior.