by Bryce Treat

As JHS wrestling enters its 70th season, the program continues to demonstrate why it has remained a cornerstone of the school’s athletic tradition. Through decades of change, the sport has endured and continues to shape the lives of student-athletes both on and off the mat.

Head Coach Daniel Struck, who also serves as a middle school football coach and teaches Sports Performance, reflected on the impact wrestling has had on his life.

“Wrestling and coaches in general made me who I am today,” Struck said. “Wrestling literally means ‘to struggle’, and learning to wrestle teaches you how to handle all the struggles of life.”

The program’s 70th anniversary carries special significance. While many sports have rich traditions, Struck emphasized wrestling’s unique place in history.

“Anything that can last this long, through wars, different presidents, different administrations, depressions, and more is special,” he said. “Wrestling is 3,500 years old. It is the world’s oldest sport and the only sport mentioned in the Bible. It has lasted millennia.”

The impact of wrestling extends beyond the mat. Assistant coach and English teacher Evan Myers credits the sport with shaping nearly every aspect of his life. 

“It has improved every single area of my life because many of the lessons I’ve learned have carried over to my personal and professional life,” Myers said. “The discipline you learn in wrestling helps you everywhere.”

“Wrestling literally means ‘to struggle’, and learning to wrestle teaches you how to handle all the struggles of life.”

Head Wrestling Coach Danny Struck

As the program prepares for a new season, coaches have spent the offseason developing themselves as leaders. Myers attended coaching conferences, read books on leadership, and networked with other coaches and mentors to gain new perspectives. Struck similarly invested in his growth, reading nearly 30 books, attending six conferences, and recently visiting the Olympic Training Center.

This year’s team will look much different than last season’s. According to Struck, the program has grown significantly, featuring 12 seniors compared to just three a year ago, along with more than 20 incoming freshmen.

“Every year is different,” noted Struck. “Every team brings a different look and dynamic to the struggle.”

The increased experience has coaches optimistic. Last season, JHS surprised many by advancing further than expected despite being a relatively young team.

“None of us thought sectionals would be as close as they were,” Myers recalled. “We were young, despite having experience and intensity. Now we have more experience, and I think our varsity teams could be great this year.”

One of the program’s proudest accomplishments last season was having all 14 varsity starters qualify for regionals, a milestone that reflected the team’s depth and dedication.

Senior wrestler Jak Rose knows firsthand how much effort goes into reaching that level. Wrestling has taught him lessons that extend beyond competition.

“It’s taught me discipline, how to deal with losing, and the value of work ethic,” Rose explained. “If you want something, you’ve got to work for it.”

Rose’s offseason looked different than most. After dealing with injuries, he focused more on learning and refining technique than chasing victories.

“My offseason was mainly about learning rather than winning,” he said. “Getting back from injury helped me focus on technique.”

The lessons learned from adversity have fueled his motivation entering his final season.

“Last season was very humbling,” Rose said. “It was my first year on varsity and my first year dealing with injury during the season. It gave me motivation to give everything I’ve got this year.”

As he begins his senior campaign, Rose has ambitious goals.

“I planned to get in the best physical condition I can,” he stated. “I’m really set on being a sectional champion and making it to state this year. I’m going to leave it all on the mat.”

Among the program’s other senior leaders is Abi Lemon, who is looking forward to enjoying every moment of her final year as a student-athlete.

“I’m very excited to see how sports will go,” Lemon said. “All my clubs with my friends and teammates, especially this being my last time.”

Lemon said wrestling and other extracurricular activities have helped build her confidence and character.

“Participating in all these clubs has made me better as a person,” she explained. “I feel more confident because I did them.”

Like Rose, Lemon has both competitive and personal goals for the season.

Having previously competed at the state level, Lemon understands the challenge that comes with wrestling against Indiana’s best athletes.

“My goal for this season is to go far, obviously,” she said. “As a girl, I want to have as much fun with my teammates and coaches as I’ve known since freshman year.”

“Competition is definitely a lot tougher at state and more serious,” recalled Lemon. “It was a bunch of hard-working girls, and I felt very honored to be a part of that group.”

Balancing athletics, academics, and extracurricular activities remains one of the biggest challenges for student-athletes, but Lemon credits her support system for helping her succeed.

“It’s definitely difficult,” she said. “It’s great to have friends in both because even when I struggle in one, I have a great support system to help me.”

Looking back on her experience, Lemon encourages younger students to make the most of every opportunity available to them.

“Do as much as you can while you can,” advised Lemon. “Experience is very valuable because you can learn a lot of things and have fun.”

The coaching staff also has ambitious goals for the future. Myers hopes the team can contend for sectional titles while continuing to strengthen the growing girls wrestling program.

“I hope we push for sectional titles this year,” Myers said. “I also hope to see the women’s wrestling program continue to grow. I think it has developed a legacy, and I’d like to see that continue.”

As JHS wrestling celebrates its 70th season, the common theme among coaches and athletes remains clear: success is built through hard work, resilience, and a willingness to embrace struggle. Whether it is a coach learning new leadership skills, a wrestler overcoming injury, or a senior preparing for one final season, the lessons of wrestling continue to shape those who are part of the program and ensure its tradition will carry forward for years to come.