Rutgers Mourns Student-Athlete Sam Cali
Jun 20 | Wrestling
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Rutgers University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics mourns the passing of student-athlete Sam Cali. A rising sophomore wrestler from Towaco, Cali was one of two young men killed overnight in an accident on I-287 in Mahwah, N.J.
"We are extremely saddened by the unexpected passing of Sam Cali," said Rutgers Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Patrick Hobbs. "This terrible tragedy will be deeply felt by the Rutgers community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and classmates of both Sam and Leo Vagias at this very difficult time."
"Sam was a great young man who everyone on the team truly loved being around," said Head Coach Scott Goodale. "He loved wrestling and being part of our Rutgers family. Anytime you lose a teammate it hurts, and this hurts really bad. We send our prayers to the families and will keep Sam a part of everything that we do."
Cali was redshirted as a true freshman in 2015-16 after competing in three events, the National Collegiate Open, the Wilkes University Open and the Nittany Lion Open.
A two-time district champ and NJSIAA placewinner at Don Bosco Prep, Cali tallied an 89-28 record throughout his high school career. He placed fourth at the Beast of the East and third at the NJSIAA State Championships at 132 pounds as a senior.
A viewing will be held for Cali and Leo Vagias, who also passed away Sunday, at St. Pius Church in Montville, N.J. on Thursday, June 23 from 4-9 p.m. The funeral service for Cali will be held at St. Pius on Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. The funeral service for Vagias will be at noon at St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Valley Road in Clifton, N.J.
St. Pius Church is located at 24 Changebridge Rd, Montville, N.J. 07045. St. George Greek Orthodox Church is located at 818 Valley Rd, Clifton, N.J. 07013
In Memory of Samuel D. Cali
