Four-time state champ sets area standard

By Jon Moffett

Tony Jameson made a bold prediction before high school. He told his mother he would win four state titles in wrestling. And he did just that.

Jameson started off by capturing a title in the 103-pound category as a freshman at Austintown Fitch. He went on to win a title in the 119-, 135- and 145-pound categories his sophomore, junior and senior years, respectively.

“Wrestling is all about what I do personally,” Jameson said. “I work not just to win, but to succeed.”

Jameson has had an interest in wrestling since the age of 4, when his dad took him to a meet. His father wrestled in high school, and his son quickly learned to love the sport.

“My dad has been my driving force,” Jameson said. “I can’t thank him enough.”

The most important thing Jameson has learned is that wrestling is all about self preparation and execution. “If a football team has a bad practice, three or four guys can accept the blame for it. But if I have a bad practice, it’s all on me. If I lose, I’m to blame. It means that I didn’t do my job.”

Jameson admits there is still a team aspect, but it doesn’t compare to self-satisfaction. “I don’t mind sharing the glory, but the feeling [of individual success] is unlike anything else.”

When asked what his favorite sport outside of wrestling was, Jameson responded, “Wrestling. I mean I’ll play football and stuff with my brothers, and I started playing other sports in high school. But I didn’t want to risk wrestling. I kind of had tunnel-vision when it came to wrestling.”

Football and wrestling are what Jameson and his six younger brothers do to pass the time. Jameson said he likes to think he’s a role model for his brothers as well as the younger wrestlers at Fitch. “For me it’s about making my teammates believe that Austintown Fitch wrestling is great.”

Jameson will attend Ohio State University in the fall. He plans to study business and wrestle for Buckeyes coach Tom Ryan.

The ultimate goal, Jameson said, is to win four national championships. “Realistically, I just want to do my best and get to the next level. A degree is more important, though, that’s why you go to school.”

jmoffett@vindy.com