With a 2015 Section 1 Dual meet title under their belt, as well as eight returning sectional placing wrestlers, the 2016 John Jay Wrestling Team knew they were poised for a memorable season. Long time coach, Bill Swertfager, told his squad in the beginning of the season that “the one thing that can stop us this year is not from your neck down, it’s from your neck up” (Lohud.com).

Returning All-Section Wrestler Conor Melbourne noted that it’s the mental side of the sport that has plagued wrestlers in the postseason, which the team seems to be improving this year. With this mentality, senior captains Conor Melbourne, Evan Frank, Ray Cotto, Louie Cree, and Eric Eberhardt led the team heading into the season knowing their potential for greatness.

Kicking off the season was the Section 1 Dual Semifinals/Finals, held at our own John Jay High School gym. Days before the finals, Evan Frank mentioned that it was time “time to bear the fruits of our labor. It’s been for years of hard work all year round, now it’s time to have fun” (Lohud.com). With this, the team defeated Arlington 60-15 in the semifinals in dominant fashion. Soon later, they maintained their title as Section 1 Dual Meet Champions, as they defeated the notorious powerhouse, North Rockland, 53-17 in the finals.

From this point on, the team has not shown signs of slowing down, from Evan Frank breaking the all-time pins record with 71, to national headlines on USA Today about freshman star, Julianna Duva. With the best senior class in recent history, the guys are looking to end their careers on a high note. Big remaining tournaments include the Eastern State Tournament and the Section 1 Individual Tournament.