Feb 7, 2024 3 min read

Name: Jake Wright

School: Trinity

Sport: Wrestling

Class: Freshman

Wright’s week: The Hillers’ 114-pounder had one of the biggest wins in his first year of wrestling at the varsity level in earning a 5-2 decision over Bethel Park’s Pierce Reinhart in the final bout last Saturday in the semifinals of the WPIAL Class 3A Team Tournament.

Trinity was down 26-23 with one bout remaining and Wright’s victory tied the dual meet at 26-26 but the Hillers advanced to the finals because they had a 7-6 edge in individual matches won, which broke the tie.

Wright knew what he had to do when he went out on the mat in front of a raucous crowd at Peters Township High School’s AHN Arena, and even though he was down 2-0 in the first period, Wright was confident in his abilities to win the match.

“There have been times where the team needed me so I was confident going into that match,” Wright said. “Normally, I’m a leg rider on top, but I went with the cradle to turn him because I knew we needed the win for the team. It was definitely an exciting time and I was happy to be able to help us get to the state team tournament.”

Wright’s big week goes back to the Hillers’ quarterfinal dual meet against Norwin in front of a home crowd, as Wright pinned the Knights’ Nathan Klingensmith in 3:47 to contribute to his team’s 43-19 victory.

Ready for the big stage: Trinity will compete in the PIAA Class 3A Team Tournament tonight against Selinsgrove in the first round. The school had a sendoff for the team Wednesday, as it traveled to Hershey to compete at the Giant Center.

“I have never wrestled or been in the Giant Center, but I look forward to competing at a nice venue,” Wright said. “We want to place as high as we can at the team states. We know it will be tough competition but we are looking forward to it.”

Man of many talents: Wright not only excels on the mat, but he is also an archer, soccer player and shows livestock during the summer at the fair.

Wright played for Trinity this past fall and he also competed for Victory Soccer Club as a midfielder and forward. Wright started to focus more on archery last year, and he shoots for a sponsor.

“I really enjoy archery shooting and I may look to do it in college if the opportunity presents itself,” Wright said. “I enjoy playing soccer and the work that goes into raising the animals and getting ready for the fair can be compared to wrestling in that you put in long hours and have to be disciplined and prepared to get up early and work.”

Compiled by Jonathan Guth