As part of our South Jersey high school wrestling coverage, we want to know a little bit more about some of the region’s grapplers. Jordan Sciamanna, a senior 170-pounder from Paul VI, talked over a variety of things with reporter Mark Trible.
MT: What’s been the secret to your strong start this season?
JS: I’ve been working with Mario Mason in my off time. I went to J Robinson (wrestling camp) in my offseason. Just focused on getting that district and region (title) this year.
MT: Do you normally do that work in the offseason?
JS: J Rob camp was something I wanted to do because in my senior year I wanted to go out with a bang. With Mario, I’ve been working with him the last few years because I wanted to get ahead of the game with wrestling and be one of the top-tier guys.
MT: Was there one area of emphasis for improvement?
JS: Mainly it was mental toughness. Just learning to go when you’re tired and fight through it and focus on winning the match. I always have more to go in the tank.
MT: How do you practice mental toughness?
JR: When I went to J Rob that was their key focus. It was based around on seven things – dedication, determination, sacrifice (etc.) and I preach that to myself every day. When I was tired I just told myself I could keep going that it’s all in my head. And it works.
MT: Did you work with any notable area wrestlers?
JS: Worked with (Clearview’s Zack) Firestone, went to Steel Mill (Wrestling Club) for a little bit and worked with (Haddon Heights coach) Mike Ahern. Also, (Kingsway’s Trace and Quinn) Kinner’s father and some of them.
MT: What are your thoughts on your team?
JS: I think we’re gonna be a solid team, the way we’re headed right now I think we can win conference. We have a few things to change but I think we’ll be a good, healthy team this year.
MT: Your team’s win over Ocean City (39-22 on Dec. 22) was a big decision. How was the bus ride home?
JS: It was a very bustling feeling. That gave guys the high that made them say, ‘Wow, we have a shot. We can really make a name for ourselves.”
MT: What meet do you anticipate most?
JS: The Camden Catholic meet. They’ve always been our biggest rivals. They’re in (The Mat Pack) Top 15 and we’re looking to beat them and make a name for ourselves.
MT: What do you like most about Paul VI?
JS: The people I’m surrounded by. My coaches are great. I couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff. Even the wrestlers on the team, we’re like a family.
MT: What’s the most difficult part of wrestling?
JS: Definitely the toughest part is the physical abuse on your body – especially losing weight. You’ve gotta make weight five days a week. It’s hard on your body.
MT: What’s the most amount of weight you had to cut?
JS: My sophomore year I had to cut 35 pounds in probably 2 1/2 weeks.
MT: How’d you do it?
JS: Basically, my coach’s wife was a nutritionist and after every meal I would go and work out and everything I was putting in my body I was trying to get away. I would wake up the next morning and be lighter. I would work out five times a day. And I had better portion control.
MT: What’s the biggest difference between wrestling at 160 and 170 pounds?
JS: The tempo of the match. I feel like the kids are a lot slower so I have more technique and speed on the mat. Even my sophomore year (to junior year), moving up from 145 to 160, the speed is much different.
MT: What starting position suits you best?
JS: I’m very good on my feet, I feel the most comfortable on my feet. I tell myself the only way I can lose a match if this kid can beat me on my feet. I go into a match and try to run a takedown clinic on the kid.
MT: How do you balance the team and individual aspects of wrestling?
JS: As a captain, I try to balance the two out. As my teammates are wrestling I try to give them the best advice I can, but when I’m wrestling myself I try to focus on myself. When districts and regions come around, I focus more on myself and what I have to do to beat some of the best kids in the state.
MT: Any outside hobbies?
JS: Just working out, hanging out with my buddies. Helping out in the community
MT: What do you do in the community?
JS: My mom, she works at a summer camp with underprivileged kids in Chester (Pa.) and I teach them and help them learn to play sports, like soccer, kickball – the basics. I try to teach them how to show good sportsmanship and stuff.
