Jayhawks Gearing Up For National Duals
January 06, 2022

 


JAMESTOWN - Going into the 2022 portion of the season, the Jamestown Community College wrestling team has achieved some goals that they have put forth, but head coach Kris Schimek knows that there are more to be met.

"As a team we have reached some of our goals," Schimek said. "We've had some short comings but overall everyone is working hard on the mats and in the classroom. I'm proud how everyone is embracing the team aspect of this sport when we compete in dual meets, cheering each other on to get the team win."

At the halfway point of the season, the Jayhawks are currently 2-0 on the year with wins coming against Penn State Mont Alto and Hiram College which bookended the 2021 portion of the season. In tournament action, the Jayhawks have fared well and have had 10 medalist in competition including Brendon Ramsey (Panama, NY/Panama Central) and Ross Abram (Eden, NY/Eden Central) placing first in their respective weight class at the Thunderwolves Open back in December.

Coach Schimek is liking the direction that his team is heading especially with a pair of freshman leading the way in Ramsey and Joey Pillittieri (Falconer, NY/Falconer HS).

"Pillittieri has done well in tournaments," Schimek said. "He just wins, no matter the circumstance in front of him. I admire that kind of tenacity. Ramsey, our team captain, has shown his leadership skills well during practice and is holding everyone accountable. Honestly, I'm proud of everyone's work ethic. We've ramped up the workout since the winter break and everyone does it without complaining."

Pillittieri leads the way in win thus far on the season with 14 with Abram close behind with 13. Abram is the leader of the pack in terms of wins via fall, coming away with eight victories.

Coach Schimek is always looking for more from his guys but he is looking for his heavyweight Alex Christy (Fredonia, NY/Fredonia HS) to kick it up another gear or two in the next few months.

"Christy is doing all of the right things and has been very dependable throughout the season," Schimek said. "I think it's time for it to all come together on the mat and I have faith that it will in the next two months."

The Jayhawks start the second half of the season at the National Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals in Louisville, KY where they will compete against some of the nation's top teams. This will be the first time since the 2019-20 season that they will attend and the first time for everyone on the team to experience it.

"I think nationals will be good especially for a lot of these guys to wrestle on a big stage," said Schimek. "Some of these guys have competed at state tournaments but it will be good to get in there and wrestle some of these teams from the Midwest before we move into districts and nationals."

The Jayhawks will be one of six NJCAA institution competing at the national duals along with Garrett College of Region 20, Harper College and Joliet Junior College of Region 12, Rochester Community & Technical College of Region 13, and Region 3 foe Niagara County Community College.

"We are seeded third but we can finish anywhere from first to sixth. It's all about who wants it more that day," Schimek added.

Action starts on Friday, January 7th, at 9:00 a.m. at the Kentucky International Convention Center.





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