By MARCUS KRANZ
The Jericho boys wrestling team had a tremendous season this year that will go down in Jayhawk history. With 13 All-Conference wrestlers, 2 All-Conference champions and 7 wrestlers to counties, the boys were fierce competitors. Head wrestling coach Brodsky also achieved greatness this season, securing his 300th win on December 11, 2024.
A highlight of the boys victorious season was winning the Jericho Cup for the first time in 14 years. Coach Brodsky, who has been in the wrestling world for nearly three decades, was especially proud of this accomplishment. Brodsky said, “It was great to win the Dick Drab Cup this year. It had been a long time. The boys stepped up when it mattered most!”
The leadership of seniors Omar Abukoush and Al Qasemi played a pivotal role in the team’s success, setting a strong example for their teammates.
Qasemi hopes his leadership left a lasting legacy. He said, “With every match, both won and lost, individually and as a team, it was an honor to dedicate time to improving the athleticism, wrestling technique and inner character of my teammates. I truly hope the example I set forth will serve as a standard for wrestlers on and off the mat.”
Abukoush feels similarly to Qasemi and learned a lot from being a leader. He said, “One thing I learned while being a captain is that if I lost, I can’t let it affect me, as I need to show [my team] that you’re not always going to win, and that’s okay. As long as you keep staying humble and continue to work, then that’s all that matters. I think being a captain really brought out the best in me. I can thank Coach Brodsky for that. He always pushed me out of my comfort zone to see if I could handle the pressure.”
The season was an especially memorable one for Coach Brodsky who secured his 300th wrestling victory on December 11th against Oyster Bay. It was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the program and the athletes he’s mentored over the years. Brodsky said, “This year, we had one of our best seasons in a long time. Even though we didn’t accomplish everything we wanted, I’m proud of how far we’ve come.”
The season ended with a thrilling 38-33 victory over Uniondale, a nail-biting match that had fans on the edges of their seats. Despite their strong performance, the team’s postseason hopes were dashed in the first round of the dual playoffs, where they suffered a 45-17 loss to Mepham. This defeat ended their pursuit of a county title, but it did not overshadow the progress they made throughout the season.
Looking ahead, the future of Jericho wrestling appears brighter than ever. Freshman sensation Brad Safir’s positive outlook, determination and promise provide just a glimpse of how bright the future will be for Jericho wrestling. He said, “Even though the season didn’t end how I wanted it to, we had a great season and wrestled tough.”
With several key players returning next season and the addition of a girls’ wrestling extension program, the team is poised for more success. Coach Brodsky said, “The foundation is set, and with hard work and dedication, we’re excited to see what’s next for this program.”
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