Damian Ross (Class of 1986) made his mark in Ridgewood High School athletics in football and wrestling. As a member of the football team, he was named a First-Team All-NNJIL running back for the 1983, 1984 and 1985 seasons. In 1985, he set the school record for most touchdowns in a seasons (15) and posted the Maroons’ second highest single-season total in rushing yards (1,047).

In his varsity career, Ross rushed for 1,897 yards, and he was selected to play in the North-South All-Star Classic in June of 1986.

Ross went on to continue his football career at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In wrestling, Ross holds the distinction of being the first freshman in the history of the program to make the varsity squad. He was a three-time gold medalist at the Mahwah Holiday Tournament, competing for three years before sitting out his senior year due to an injury he sustained during the football season.

In 1984, Ross was named Ridgewood High School’s Most Outstanding Wrestler, as well as the NNJIL-Bergen Wrestling Sophomore of the Year at 158 pounds. In 1985, he was named to the All-NNJIL First Team and placed fourth in the 158-pound weight class at the state tournament.



After earning the Ridgewood High School Award For Excellence In Athletics in 1986, Ross also went on to continue his wrestling career at Lehigh.