For the past 25 years, Jefferson High School wrestlers have run the gamut of emotions under the direction of coach Troy Humphrey. They’ve won hard fought matches and overcome the adversity of heartbreak a number of times.
Many good Panther wrestling teams have passed through the Jefferson program over the years, but Humphrey feels optimistic that the 2022-23 squad could be the best yet.
After placing third in the state – for the first time since 1988 – and earning a second consecutive Western B/C championship last season, Humphrey has high hopes for his 25th season.
“Second place is on our radar for this season, but ultimately we’d like to push defending champs Huntley Project for that championship spot,” Humphrey said.
Returning to the mat this year are two-time all-state wrestlers junior Dylan Mikesell and senior John Armstrong, accompanied by one-time all-state wrestlers junior Dayton Brown and sophomore Brady Armstrong.
Joining these all-staters in the ring will be several all-conference wrestlers: sophomore Leighton LaFromboise, senior Reed Zander, senior Jeyden Sullivan and senior Jace Oxarat.
While the team looks promising, it will face some obstacles.
“Our greatest challenge is we’ve always been the underdogs, and now we’re not,” Humphrey said. “We’ve got a target on us, so it’s important the wrestlers maintain their high level performance week after week, day after day in the practice room.”
The target, Humphrey said, means the team can’t afford to dwell on their losses.
“They do a great job adjusting to adversity,” he said. “They don’t dwell.”
Humphrey said the program’s success goes beyond wrestling. Parent’s willingness to go the extra mile and help their children develop by attending summer camps and training year-round.
“We have kids going to Florida for the Disney Duels,” Humphrey said. “That’s not cheap. When you have parents that buy in like that, the athletes are going to excel and the program is going to skyrocket.”
Everyone contributes, Humphrey said, and that’s what it takes to win. “We have to believe in each other.”
In order to develop this trust and confidence, Humphrey said he approaches his job with care and compassion. He’s not a drill sergeant. He allows the wrestlers to push themselves – the real method for achieving greatness.
Humphrey’s excited about this team. There are a lot of leaders and a lot of players who have no quit in them. They train hard, even in the summer, and they’re determined to go all the way.
“That’s a big part of the buy-in,” Humphrey said. “The group is so passionate about the sport that they are going to do whatever they can to get out there and compete.”
Assistant wrestling coach Joe Michaud said much of this success is a tribute to Humphrey and the unique bond he has with his students and the parents.
“Humphrey goes above and beyond, and he does so by developing relationships. It goes far beyond wrestling,” Michaud said. “The kids would run through a wall for him.”
Through all the wins and losses, Humphrey has measured his teams’ successes by their togetherness.
