 Jimmy Kirschner Somerville High School, freshman at Rider University
Districts: 3x First, 1x Second
Regions: 1x First, 2x Third
States: 2008 State Champion
Favorite Movie: Troy
Favorite Music Artist: Johnny Cash
Favorite CF Team: Airforce & Rider :)
Favorite NFL Team: Giants
Favorite MLB Team: Tigers
Settling into his freshman year at Rider University Jimmy took some time to talk to NJWT to discuss his past, present and future. With a state title in hand he looks to make an impact this year. I asked about his beginnings and future goals. This is how it went down.
NJWT: Hey Jim, Hows it going?
JK: Busy, but good.
NJWT: When did you get into wrestling? Did you have any early success?
JK: I started wrestling when I was about 4. I was one of the rec wrestlers under the Stuthen Bros, from there I wrestle for Somerville Middle School (&th & 8th grade) under coach Petrill and Eugene Klein. During that time I met Vern Zellner and started traveling with the Orchard Club in south jersey. There were three seasons when I was undefeated. None of it came easy, I've always had to work hard to accomplish my goals.
NJWT: How About High School?
JK: I placed all four years in district, 3 years in regions and then won States last year as a senior. Its been great.
NJWT: Qualifying two years prior, what was the change in you going into your Senior year?
JK: In years past I "Beat Myself", I had a tendency to get caught up in the moment and let nervous energy get the best of me. I wouldn't perform as I prepared. Going into my Senior year I started jumping
rope before and after my matches. Its just what I do to deal. It allows for me to get my mind away from the moment and return when I step on the mat. I find myself less nervous and ready to perform.
NJWT: When your minds away, what are you thinking about?
JK: Anything really, things that are fun to me like surfing, going to the beach, hanging with friends. Then when I step on the mat its all business.
NJWT: Have you wrestled Freestyle or Greco?
JK: Sophmore and Junior year I traveled to Fargo, wont States both years, Senior year I didn't participate. I'm really not too big on Freestyle, but Greco is my love. My style just goes well with it and have had success. There's no doubt the Greco enhanced my folkstyle wrestling. All disciplines help no matter what they are: F/S, Greco, Karate, BJJ, Sambo, Catch..ect. They are like tools (techniques) and each job (match) is different so the more tools (techniques) you have the better prepared you'll be for the job (match) at hand.
NJWT: To be the best, they say it has to be a lifestyle, What's your training lifestyle?
JK: I am always looking for Balance in my lifestyle, I perform better that way. My summer training is consistent but has time for having fun and making the most of the off-season. I still train two to three times a day but then take a day off for fun. Now that I am back at school and we are gearing up for the season I am looking for a
"competitive edge on effort". Working out hard 2 time per day and weight training too.
NJWT: What is your Mental Motto going into this Senior year of competition?
JK: Its a motto I live everyday, not just this year. I have a tattoo of it on my leg.
"Never Give Up, Nothings Impossible"
NJWT: How your health and conditioning heading into the 2008-09 season?
JK: I've never really been one for injuries, I guess you can say I've been luck. I feel great and ready to go
NJWT: To this point, what has been the most satisfying accomplishment?
JK: Hands down, My State Title. I've been dreaming of it for years. Me and friends always spoke about it and the local heroes who've won before me. To be included in that list of guys I respect so much and for it to actually come to fruition is just an amazing feeling.
NJWT: Have you always been a good Student/Athlete?
JK:Yes. I've always carried atleast a 3.0GPA, but that is easier said than done. Nothing come easy, I have to work my ass off. Always giving the effort in class and teachers notice that so when I need help they are always there for me. I am very close to my teachers, I know that sounds cheesy but I feel it helps me to be a better student.
NJWT: Have you declared a major?
JK:I am undeclared right now but I want to be a general contractor. I am focusing on business and finance classes now and will move into a major when I'm decided. Plan B is to be an Athletic Director.
NJWT: I am sure your were considering several colleges, Why did you choose Rider?
JK: Coach Taylor reached out to me early, before I won states. I felt they were truly interested at that time and as we went through the process it all felt right. Nase and Hangey definitely were a heavy influence on my decision. Bottom line: They've changed the page for me.
NJWT: I know we all set lofty goals but realistically what do expect from your freshman season?
JK: I want to start at 125. From there I am shooting for 20+ wins and qualifying for nationals. I have placing at nationals on the list too.
NJWT: Who do you hang with?
JK: Miller, Lorenzo and Bradley
NJWT: Any words of Wisdom for the young wrestlers out there?
JK: Give it your all, just have fun and you'll be fine.
NJWT: Well it was nice to finally meet you. Thanks for your time and
good luck this season.
 TOMS RIVER, NJ. --- TRE Senior, Vincent Dellefave (TRE)
Favorite Movie: Bronx Tale
Favorite Music Artist: Lil Wayne
Favorite College Football Team: Rutgers
Favorite NFL Football Team: Jets
A senior this upcoming year, Vincent has proven he was the Best last year but with the growing competition it will take all he has to get it done again. Placing 3rd, 2nd, 1st in the last three NJSIAA State Championships in Atlantic City, NJ. Vin has set his sites on being TR East first 2x State Champ. With a 4th place finish in Fargo's
National Tournament this past July, things look like they could head that way but only time will tell.
I caught up with Vincent recently and was able to get some insight on what makes him one of New Jersey's Best going into the 2008-209 Season. This is how it went...
NJWT: So hows the summer gone?
DELLE: Its been great!
NJWT: Working hard?
DELLE: Hardly :) Lifeguarding at water park pool in LBI.
NJWT: Well its been a long road for you, if I remember correctly it was 2nd Grade when you made your way onto the mat for the first time. Many say its the Journey and not the final destination that's important. How do you feel about personal journey went?
DELLE: Well my journey has had it ups and downs but in all a good one. I remembering being young and enjoying the process, I placed 8 times in USAW-NJ States and won them 3 times. But around 7th grade I
became a bit bored with it. By Freshman year I was excited again and placed second in the States. Sophomore year things started to change for the a worse again. I'm not sure if it was the pressure that comes with being a contender or the fact that I was less motivated to do what was need to be the best. Thankfully, with proper guidance from my parents, Brett Taylor and my club coach, I was able to get back on track and still place third in the States.
NJWT: What was the change between the 3rd and 1st place finish?
DELLE: As I look back now, the moment that changed everything was that loss. After placing third that year, I made an agreement with my club coach. He stated that if I committed for a year of training, that he guaranteed a State Title would be earned. If not, he would leave me be and allow me to pursue the title my way. I am glad I made that agreement, that simple adjustment has made my dream a reality.
NJWT: How has your family been behind you?
DELLE: Its hard to sum up in a reasonable short answer. Whatever is possibly needed they did. From day tournaments, to weekend tournaments, to week tournaments, they've always been behind me.
NJWT: You have a older brother Mario, how has he help?
DELLE: He's the one that got me into wrestling, I was little kid when we would drop him off at the TRWC at TR East. Throughout my career he's always supported me, and pushed me like brother's do.
NJWT: Is there an aspect of your game that you've been really trying
to focus on?
DELLE: Top. I have always been solid on my feet, comes natural to me. Going into my senior year, then Rutgers I just know it will make me a better wrestler and that much harder to compete with.
NJWT: How does your training schedule this summer compare to summers past?
DELLE: Well in past summer's I've really taken that time off to enjoy other things that I do. But as I learned through past years results, the time off can be detrimental to my goals. So this year I challenged myself and made the NJ National Team for Fargo. This was my first attempt and was happy with the fourth place finish.
NJWT: Do you wrestle Freestyle often?
DELLE: No, actually never before the Fargo trip.
NJWT: How does Toms River East look going into the 2008-2009 Season?
DELLE: Down low, we'll probably struggle a bit with a few hotspots, but from 152 and up we will be hard to beat.
NJWT: You've had some injuries in the past, how your health and conditioning heading into the 2008-09 season?
DELLE: 100%
NJWT: What is your Mental Motto going into this Senior year of competition?
DELLE: Two Words: "Just Win"
NJWT: To this point, what has been the most satisfying accomplishment?
DELLE: My State Title and the opportunities its has presented, like signing early to Rutgers.
NJWT: You've always been a good student/athlete, how do you do it?
DELLE: You know its funny, I have always applied myself in school, as I do on the mat. Its not that
I do anything special but I do my work and I prepare for tests. As I worked through high school things just fell in place. My good GPA today is a result of me applying myself when I was in grade school.
NJWT: As always, its a pleasure, thanks for your time and good luck this season. |
