Jackson Van Kley is one of four freshmen on varsity this year for wrestling. He wrestles 145 and currently holds a 18-16 win-loss record. Van Kley was brought up in a wrestling family with his father currently working as the Central head coach. 

“My dad is the one who really pushes me to be a better wrestler. He’s always in the crowd watching and cheering for me and there to help me do better the next time,” said Van Kley. 

Wrestling has always been important to Van Kley, who is known to occasionally host his friends for unofficial wrestle-offs on the mat in their basement, including Noah Parsons. Noah Parsons is also a freshman starter this year and has been wrestling with Van Kley since grade school. 

“Jackson pushes me to be a better wrestler because he always stays motivated, and he’s never discouraged after losing a match,” said Parsons. 

Although Jackson is new to the team this year, coaches are impressed with his progress so far this season. 

“I think that watching Jackson this season you can see his confidence growing,” said coach Jay Pike. “He really seems to be carrying himself differently on and off of the mat.”