Fitch champion Jameson always has dad in corner

Fans root for and against the wrestler, but he gets support from his father.

By ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

Throughout his high school wrestling career, Fitch High’s Tony Jameson has had a love-hate relationship with the fans that come to watch every tournament. For every 100 fans that respect what he’s accomplished and applaud his entertaining style, there are another 100 rooting for his opponent to pull off a huge upset.

But there has been one fan Jameson has always had in his corner every time he hits the mat — his father, Ken. And while his dad is always the No. 1 cheerleader in the crowd, he doesn’t always enjoy watching Tony wrestle. Not because he’s afraid he’ll lose or get hurt, but because of the pressure his son is under and the way some fans want to see him fail.

“At first, I had a lot of animosity about it,” said Ken Jameson prior to the finals at the Massillon Perry Division I district tournament Saturday night. “I mean it’s not really fair to Tony because he never asked to be in that situation. But I guess pressure is a privilege and he has earned it by what he’s accomplished.

“I’m really proud of Tony for how he’s handled it all. He’s not only accepted all the pressure and responsibility, but he’s embraced it. I really can’t imagine the responsibility that he carries and what goes through his mind.”

Ken knew from the beginning that Tony had an opportunity to do great things in wrestling because of his passion for the sport. After moving to Austintown midway through Tony’s seventh grade year, Ken was excited about the prospects.

He felt like there was a future for his son in the Fitch wrestling program because of the coaches and the other kids on the team. He knew that if they all worked hard, big things could happen. Saturday, that became a reality for the first time, as the Falcons advanced a school-record five wrestlers to state.

“We came here and saw the group of kids and they loved the sport just like Tony did,” said Ken Jameson. “They were hard workers and they really bought into the program. Tony is a sore loser, so he gets frustrated if his teammates don’t win, because he knows how hard they work. So this is the biggest reward getting five guys out because he’s always believed in these kids and now they believe in themselves.”

Ken Jameson will be sitting in the crowd next weekend in Columbus watching as his son attempts to make history by winning his fourth state championship and join an elite class of 16 to have ever reached that milestone. He knows there will be plenty of fans hoping it happens.

He’s also aware that the naysayers will have a voice, too, and be hoping for an upset. But he’s found peace with that part of the sport.

“I used to resent it, but when you’re on top it comes with the territory,” said Jameson. “Sometimes, I used to feel sorry for Tony that he had to deal with all that stuff. But you know, I understand it now. I mean I’m sitting there watching the Super Bowl and rooting for the Giants.

“He’s really worked his butt off for all these years that he’s wrestled. He has a chance to enter into a group of wrestlers that are kind of like the untouchables — the ones you’d like to meet someday. I’ll be proud of him either way.”

Asked how he’d react if his son accomplishes his goal and stands on top of the podium one last time, Ken was already holding back tears.

“I’ll ask where the Kleenex is,” he said. “I’d be so proud.”