Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week

Wrestling is one of the most demanding sports an athlete can play. It tests endurance and strength, and one must have a relentless competitive drive. Despite being just a freshman, Jackson O’Reilly embodies all these characteristics and has emerged as one of the strongest wrestlers in the Oswego East program, which has earned him the title of Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week.

Wrestling on the varsity in the 138 pound weight class, Jackson got off to a very hot start, winning 9 of his first 10 matches. Head wrestling Coach Paul Coy has seen Jackson grow a great deal since the beginning of the season, and believes Jackson’s hard work has, and will continue to, pay off. “Jackson is coachable and pays attention to detail,” says Coy. He goes on to say “ [Jackson] is starting to become a leader by his actions in the practice room and on the mat, and is beginning not to worry about the little things, such as an opponent who has more experience or is athletically stronger. He wrestles his game plan, which is very important and usually difficult for most freshmen.”

Playing any varsity sport as a freshman can be a difficult and quick maturation process, but it can be easier when an athlete has the support of those around them. Jackson is fortunate enough to have that support group, beginning with his parents, Donna and Tim. The maturation Jackson has gone through, however, is not limited to the mat. “I’ve seen Jackson become more responsible with his studies and managing his own schedule in the 5 months since he started high school,” says Donna. She continues by saying, “he is extremely disciplined and dedicated to the preseason and off season workouts. He works out many Sunday afternoons with his old wrestling club teammates, and takes boxing lessons with a professional boxer.”

Jackson not only dedicates himself on the mat, but also challenges himself in the classroom. The transition to freshmen year is tough for any student, as the higher expectations and workload can overwhelm some at first. However, Jackson has managed to stay diligent in the classroom, achieving a G.P.A. of over 3.5 for the 1st semester.

Jackson’s teachers also see how his hard work pays off. Ryan Velasquez, Jackson’ health teacher for the 1st semester, spoke of both Jackson’s work ethic and his high moral character. “Jackson’s biggest strength as a student is that he demonstrates good character in and out of the classroom. He is always doing the right thing,” says Velasquez. He continues by adding, “You can often find Jackson in the early mornings before school in the weight room. He has a strong passion for competing not only on the athletic playing field but in the classroom as well.”

Participating on the varsity as a freshman forces a student-athlete to mature quicker than their classmates, due to the high demands and responsibilities usually reserved for upperclassman. Jackson’s advice to future freshmen reveals this maturity, as he advises future wolves’ to make sure they “take high school seriously from the beginning.”