Jackson Liberty High School wrestling coach Mike Eddy is building for the future off a young team that has only six seniors.
“They’re young and hardworking, but in the next two years we’ll be pretty good,” said Eddy, starting his sixth season with the Lions.
Jackson Liberty started off quietly in the Neptune Tournament on Dec. 18 and last week suffered a 37-27 loss to Wall High School, which won the last three weight classes, including one by pin. The match pitted the two top teams in the Shore Conference C Central Division.
Last season Jackson Liberty competed in B South and tied for second place in the division with Manchester. The Lions were 13-7 in dual meets in 2009-10.
Eight seniors graduated off that team, led by three-time District 21 medalist Brendan Kahle, who was 25-8 as a heavyweight.
But the Zak brothers lead the returnees, including junior Chris Zak, who was 29-5 at 135 pounds. The three-time district medalist just missed earning a trip to the state tournament with a fourth-place finish in Region VI. His brother, Nick, was 17-8 at 130 pounds.
Both wrestlers have made dramatic jumps in weight this season — Chris to 160 and Nick to 171.
“Their styles help them go up the weight classes, especially Nick, who has good technique,” said Eddy. “He has really improved a lot and his attitude is better. Chris never changes his style and just keeps winning.”
Both brothers won their bouts against Wall, with Chris scoring a pin at :44.
Freshman T.J. Liquori, who was unbeaten for his middle school team last year, could make an immediate impact for the Lions at 135 pounds.
Another key returnee is junior Brandon Kosheff, who moved up from 125 pounds, where he had 20 victories last season, to 135. Kosheff had a pin at 3:15 against Wall.
Eddy said he is forfeiting at 103 pounds after moving sophomore Jonathan Scialabba up to 112. Scialabba was 13-12 at 103 last season.
Ishmeil Gadson, a transfer from Lakewood, steps in at 119. Nick Schueler moves up from 112 to 125. Senior Rob Gravina is back at 140, where he saw limited action last season. Sophomore Carmine Mineo and senior Alex Baran will help in the middle weights. Brandon Roman, a junior who was 5-6 at 152 last season, moved down to 145.
The upper weights are a question mark with three starters wrestling competitively for the first time.
Junior Dylan McComisky competes at 171 pounds after transferring from Jackson Memorial, but was not wrestling for the Jaguars. Senior Justin Jacobs at 189 and sophomore heavyweight Dion Marsh are new to the sport. Senior Josh Goodman goes at 215 pounds after winning seven bouts at 189 last season.