Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Nico Patch

Senior Nico Patch was able to achieve one of his major goals of the year this past weekend by qualifying for the IHSA state wrestling tournament. One of OE's hardest workers and brightest in class, Nico's accomplishment is the culmination of four years of hard work and leadership, which is why he is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Nico has worked tirelessly the last four years to make himself the best wrestler he can. "I love the competitive nature of wrestling," says Nico. That competition has led him to put in as much work as possible these past two off-seasons. "We have seen a huge improvement in the last four years, particularly in the last seasons," says assistant coach Steve Doerrer. He goes on to add, "[Nico] can credit that to all the work he puts in during the off-season. He was a match away from qualifying for the state meet last year and that really motivated him to improve."

Coincidentally enough, the past weekend at sectionals, Nico's dream of qualifying for the state tournament also came down to one last match. Nico needed a win in the wrestle backs of the 145 weight division after falling the semi-finals. Nico was able to secure that victory and a guarantee of his place at the state tournament this weekend.

Nico has done everything he can to put himself in this position. "Nico analyzes and ours over the film, videos, and or anything else he can to improve his technique and achieve his goals," says Nico's parents. They go on to add, "Nico has learned through his high school years to step out of his comfort zone in every aspect-whether it is with joining new wrestling camps, clubs, and organizations, or committing to a difficult and rigorous course load as a senior. He has learned to explore new possibilities by stepping into unfamiliar territories and challenging his own limits."

The leadership Nico has brought to the wrestling team by his own work ethic and leading by example is something the program will sorely miss next season. "Nico has been a team captain since his sophomore year, so he's been a team leader for some time," says Doerrer. He goes on to add, "The younger wrestlers really look up to him, and having only 5 seniors on the team this year meant his leadership was very important. He is respectful, always there to support his teammates, and will definitely be missed next year."

The mat is not the only place Nico excels. As a student, Nico is as determined and hard-working in the classroom as he is on the mat. He has earned a 4.3 G.P.A., 1340 on the SAT, and has challenged himself his senior year by enrolling advanced placement (AP) Chemistry, AP Calculus AB, and AP Chinese Language and Culture. Although Nico has still not decided on a college for the future, wrestling is definitely in his plans, and is hopeful to major in pre-law and eventually attend law school.

J.P. Shore, Nico's AP Calc teacher, sees a lot of the same qualities in Nico as his parents and coaches, saying, "Nico is very nice, hard-working young man," says Shore. He adds, "He is very devoted to his work in class and his work out of class. He is the type of person I believe will be successful in whatever his path leads him because of his determination and hard work. He is great to have in class."

After surviving a brutally difficult sectional, Nico will be the lone representative for Oswego East at the state tournament. Understanding the opportunity that lays before him, Nico will no doubt spend the week working tirelessly to be in peak performance for the state tournament. His advice to future Wolves is to, "work hard consistently, regardless if it's freshman year or the second semester of your senior year." Everyone here at OE will be pulling for Nico as he represents Wolf nation!