News Flash

Star Ledger Wrestler of the week : Jackson Scott Winston
Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Just the stats:

Winston went 22-0 last winter as a freshman but had his season cut
short just prior to the postseason when he suffered a broken right
wrist. He has picked up where he left off, jumping to a 13-0 start and
winning the Neptune Classic at 152 pounds. He also was the only member
of his team to go 6-0 when Jackson placed second in the prestigious
32-team field at The Clash in Rochester, Minn., over New Year's weekend.
He had two falls, a technical fall and a major decision at 145 as
Jackson's lone wrestler to make the all-tournament team.

Goals: "After going to the states last year and watching everyone else,
I'm really psyched to get there this year and show everyone what I can
do."

Coach's comment: "I felt bad for him after what happened last year
because I really thought he had a chance to win a state title," Scott
Goodale said. "But I think that motivated him even more in the
off-season and he's come back determined to make a legitimate run at the
title."

Biggest moment in wrestling: Making it to the finals of the National
Freestyle Championships in North Dakota last summer and helping Jackson
to last winter's Shore Conference Tournament championship. "They are
probably neck-and-neck," he said. "but the Shore Conference maybe a
little more because it was the whole team."

Worst moment in wrestling: "When I broke my wrist," he said. "I heard
it crack and sort of knew in the back of my head I wouldn't be able to
wrestle again."

Favorite subject: History. "It's so interesting, Egypt and the pyramids
and things like that are my favorite part of school."

Favorite teacher: Mr. Goodale, phys ed teacher.

Favorite music: Rap and rock. "Kanye West is my favorite."

Favorite athlete: Former NFL running backs Walter Payton and Emmitt
Smith. "I like what they were about, their morals, like family always
came first."

In 15 years: "I'll probably work in business and coach with the rec
leagues. It's so much fun helping out the little kids. It's something
I'll always remember, older guys coming back to help in rec."