The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
New coach gives Avon some lofty goals
New Avon coach Jeremy Johnson is already having success, as proved by a dual win over SWC power Olmsted Falls. He has more planned for the Eagles program.
There’s a difference to being a pilot rather than a co-pilot, or a student assistant rather than a professor.
For Avon coach Jeremy Johnson, after co-piloting the Eagles for the past couple of seasons, he has become the pilot this year, taking over for Mark Porter.
The transition for Johnson hasn’t been difficult at all.
“I think being here for two years before this has smoothed the transition to being a head coach,” Johnson said. “But I’m enjoying it so far. I’m kind of learning the ins and outs of the technique part. The administrative side has been a new experience for me, but I’m enjoying it.”
So far, the takeoff for Johnson has been successful. The Eagles picked up a huge Southwestern Conference dual win over defending back-to-back champion Olmsted Falls, 32-24, last week before placing fourth at the Perry Pin City Invitational.
The Eagles had five wrestlers earn top five finishes: Jack Roesch (second, 220), Jordan Greer (third, 195), Luke Masisak (fourth, 145), Alec Walker (fourth, 113) and Cael Saxton (fifth, 106).
Roesch is 11-4 on the season, while Greer is 17-6 and Saxton is 16-5.
“We’re definitely improving week by week,” Johnson said. “That’s the ultimate goal — it’s not to be the best in December or November. It’s about slowly improving and hopefully by the end of February, we’re wrestling at our best.
“Jordan Greer at 195 pounds has been doing a great job. He’s kind of grown into his body finally and is wrestling at a high level now, and was really buying into the process. He had a big win on Thursday Amherst finished fifth at the Perry Pin City Invitational. Senior heavyweight Matt Lee, left, suffered his first loss of the season to Cathedral Prep’s Kawaun Deboe.
night against Olmsted Falls and followed that up with a third place at Perry. I’m super proud the way he has been working. Jack Roesch is another guy that keeps plugging away. His effort level is through the roof.”
Avon is without stateranked (15) senior Tate Zeman, a 120-pounder who is expected to make it to Columbus. Zeman has wrestled in two duals and Johnson isn’t sure when he will be back.
But it was the win over the Bulldogs that gave Avon a breath of confidence.
“After beating Olmsted Falls — I think one of our goals at the end of the year is to try and win the conference tournament,” Johnson said. “I think that could be a huge stepping stone for us. Our goal every year is to get guys down to the state tournament and get them placing. My ultimate goal is to get on the top 10 board down at the state tournament and have Avon on there that they post there. But the only way we can get there is if we can get guys down there, and have them buy in.”
Johnson wrestled at Brecksville-Broadview Heights, where he was a state champion and twotime placer. Like most wrestling coaches, Johnson can relate to the wrestlers he teaches having once
been in their shoes.
He hopes this can be the beginning of a successful run at Avon.
“I have a good group of kids that really buy into the stuff I’ve taught them, and, credentials aside, I think I really have their ears and I know they’re paying attention to what I’m saying.”