Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week
Name: Jake Temple
School: Avella
Class: Junior
Sport: Wrestling
Weight: 220 pounds
Temple’s Week: The crowd of family and frieds gathered around the floor of Johnstown’s War Memorial to celebrate two things: Jake Temple’s 100th career victory and his first-place finish in the PIAA Class AA Southwest Region Tournament. Temple’s path to his first regional title began with began with a 6-2 decision over Seth McClendon of Penn Cambria and was followed by a 5-0 shutout of Dave Shovestull of Westmont-Hilltop in the semifinals. In a rematch of the District 7 (WPIAL) finals, Temple took a 3-2 decision from West Greene’s Cody Jacobs.
“It means a lot to me,” said Temple. “Every day, I work hard and harder.”
Temple became the first Avella wrestler to win a Southwest Region titles since Codie Noga did it at the same weight class, 220, in 2007.
Lending a hand: Temple has had a lot of help along the way to 100 wins and his first region title. Avella continually struggles with low numbers on the varsity roster and counts on working out with teammates Zach Simonelli and Derek Allen to hone his skills. He even works out with coaches.
“I also go to Flight Time with Jeff Breese at (Washington & Jefferson College) on Sundays,” Temple said. “My brother Alex works with me.”
Special motivation: Temple said the person who most influenced his wrestling career was Don Rush, the longtime coach of the Eagles who died last summer. Rush was Temple’s coach when he was a freshman.
“He meant a lot to me,” Temple said. “I never would have gotten this far without him.”
Temple made it to the regional finals as a sophomore but lost a 2-1 decision to Jordan Kitta of Southmoreland. He went 1-2 in the state tournament.
Now, the goals are higher, along with the expectations.
“It was fun last year,” he said. “I want to get onto the podium.”
– Compiled by Joe Tuscano