By Jimmy Allinder
Nicky Lombard’s approach to wrestling is really a case study in how the brain works.
When the rising senior at Monroe Township High School steps onto the mat, he clears all the excess baggage out of his head and only focuses on beating his next opponent.
“A lot of what I do is instinctive,” said Lombard, who put together a sparkling 31-4 record as a 126-, 132- and 138-pounder last season and qualified for the NJSIAA state finals. “I’ve practiced my moves so much, my body sort of takes over.”
That’s a simplified explanation for how much mental discipline and physicality the sport demands. But another element key to Lombard’s success is his tireless work ethic, which separates truly great wrestlers from the average ones.
“I’ve built [hard work] into my repertoire,” Lombard said. “That motivates me, especially when I go through those grueling daily practices. It also helps that I enjoy wrestling, so I really look forward to going to the gym. Finally, I believe I’m coachable and ready to learn anything that is going to help me improve.”
Lombard says he has a mental checklist he goes through before he steps on the mat.
“I try not to put too much pressure on myself [to win] and be mindful that wrestling is fun,” he said. “I recognize that is sometimes hard to do because, after all, wrestling is a grueling sport.”
Lombard made a splash when he entered high school as a 106-pound freshman in the competitive Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) by finishing 21-6 with six falls. His sophomore season, however, was abbreviated by an injury, and his record was an uncharacteristic 7-5.
Despite his ups and downs on the mat, Lombard has maintained a consistently high standard in the classroom. His average is 96, and he hopes that and his accomplishments on the mat will attract the attention of colleges.
Wherever Lombard ends up, he is confident the balance he has applied to being a quality student and wrestler will assure a promising future.
“Managing my time well is critical to balancing the demands of school and wrestling,” he said. “I believe it’s important to not procrastinate about getting schoolwork done. That also includes doing homework and going to practice rather than go out with friends.”
His head coach at Monroe, Billy Jacoutot, a former outstanding wrestler from New York, says Lombard exhibits everything he looks for in a leader.
“Nick is the consummate team leader,” Jacoutot said. “He works hard and always handles himself the right way — win or lose.”
Lombard comes from a close-knit family that includes his father, Robert, mother Charlene, older brother, Robert, and younger brother, Andy, who is normally his wrestling practice partner but won’t be competing until he recovers from an injury.
“Having Andy practice with me is a lot of fun, and we’ve actually gotten close that way,” Lombard said. “I also appreciate how much my parents have done for me. They’ve paid for offseason practices and competitions and have driven me wherever they are held.”
Lombard doesn’t have one particular memory as his most cherished.
“I don’t think I have one [yet],” he said. “I would say wrestling with some of my best friends from kindergarten through high school has produced lots of great memories. Going through the season with people who are also friends makes everything that [much] more fun.”
Lombard hopes for a lot more memories to come.