By STEVEN VOLPE
Special to The Sun
For Eastern High School’s Jake Backal, wrestling was something he never really imagined himself doing. In fact, it was a friend who encouraged Jake in seventh-grade to go out for the Voorhees Middle School wrestling squad.
But Jake never looked backed. He has put together an impressive resume, starting varsity all four years of high school. The 132-pound wrestler was 23–10 last season, and was named to the first-team all Group IV wrestling team, as well as the all-conference team.
We caught up with the senior captain, who is very excited about this season.
Steven Volpe: Who inspired you to wrestle?
Jake Backal: Actually a buddy of mine, Devon Bateman, came into my computer class and asked if I wanted to go out for the team with him. Unfortunately, he injured his eye and couldn’t wrestle, but I ran with it. My dad also wrestled at Lafayette College, so he is my big motivator and inspiration.
SV: What’s your best memory of wrestling?
JB: Definitely when I pinned Robert Bush from Seneca last year. He’s one of the top wrestlers in my weight class and I beat him 12–2 in a match. That was exciting.
SV: What does it take to be a successful wrestler?
JB: Once you have the basic fundamentals down, it’s all about the mental side. You need to have confidence in order to be successful. If you go out on the mat scared, you won’t win. Determination is the key to success.
SV: What are your goals heading into this season?
JB: I really want to improve from last year. I took second place in the first round of playoffs (the district tournament), but broke my elbow in the match. I still wrestled a week later at the regional tournament, but didn’t make it to the next level. If I can get to the state tournament this year I will earn my place in Eastern wrestling history.
SV: Wrestling is an individual sport, but how does your team factor into your success?
JB: My team is everything. We all work hard and push one another every day at practice to better ourselves. Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team better.
SV: Do you intend to wrestle in college?
JB: Possibly at Rutgers or Drexel, but I want to wait and see who else recruits me. I will make my decision after the season.
SV: What is the toughest thing about wrestling?
JB: Keeping my weight down is always a challenge. Knowing you won’t be able to eat a certain night is tough and grueling. Dieting properly is hard, too, but I always try to tell myself to stick it out; it’s all going to pay off in the end.
