Jerry Pasquale started off his high school wrestling career by making Boardman history—making it to states as a freshman.
"It's probably one of my favorite wrestling accomplishments I've ever had,” Pasquale said. “It was a big deal. I was the first freshman from Boardman to make it to state and place. I was really excited."
The past two seasons, however, Pasquale has fallen just short of a return trip to Columbus. He said he believes the near misses have made him a better wrestler.
"It showed me how much harder I had to work, and some of my short comings and weaknesses I had to improve,” Pasquale said. “It really helped me excel out on the mat."
Pasquale, who has been wrestling at 119 pounds for his senior season, owns a 25-1 record this year and a 108-31 mark for his career. He has been named All EOWL and All Federal League every season, while winning four tournament championships through his career.
His hard work on the mat has paid off, as he recently notched his 100th career victory—the magic number for his sport.
"It's a great milestone to hit,” Pasquale said. “Not that many, I think only five kids from Boardman have been able to do it. And it's a real big honor."
Pasquale said he learned early on that to be successful on the mat, you have to have discipline. He does the same in school too, where he owns a 3.85 grade point average."
"I mean, you always gotta be thinking out here on the mat,” Pasquale said. “What to do if this doesn't work, what to do next. And I think with my school work you have to know how to manager your time."
Pasquale is a member of National Honor Society, Medical Careers Club, Spanish Club and Spartan Bigs. He also plays on the Spartans baseball team.
A star on the mat and in the classroom, Boardman's Jerry Pasquale is our Student Athlete of the Week.
