Josh Stasek has some unfinished business to tend to on the wrestling mat.
After signing with John Carroll University last week, he’ll get the chance to redeem himself for falling short of his goal of reaching the Ohio High School Athletic Association state wrestling championships.
“I was satisfied with reaching 100 wins, winning conference and sectional (titles), but I wasn’t satisfied with how it ended, so I’m going into college looking for some redemption,” said Stasek, who reached 101 wins in his Independence career. “Everything that coach (Ken) DeAngelis taught me about hard work is going to be very important to be successful in college.”
Stasek, who was named first team All-Chagrin Valley Conference and qualified for the district wrestling tournament three times, finished 17-19 as a sophomore and went on to win 48 matches as a senior.
The development and growth he showed on the mat is the result of the work he put into improving as a wrestler.
“Josh is a testament to what hard work will do for you,” DeAngelis said. “He started wrestling in the eighth grade and put in a lot of hard work to become one of the better heavyweights in the state. John Carroll is getting a great young man. His best wrestling is still ahead of him. I’m so proud of him and I thoroughly enjoyed coaching him.”
JCU head coach Mark Hawald recruited Stasek to compete for the Blue Streaks and Stasek set some lofty goals for himself.
“I’m very happy for the opportunity to continue wrestling for another four years,” Stasek said. “My goal is to be an All-American.”
Stasek plans to study biology in college.
