Grapple With This: D’Ettore Dominates the Mats

Charlotte Catholic freshman Jackson D’Ettore is taking down opponents on the mat. Wrestling is a physically demanding sport where a competitor tries to pin their opponent by using various techniques such as holds, takedowns, throws, and more. Jackson relies on his strength, agility, and experience to outmaneuver his opponents.

Jackson has been wrestling since he was five years old, and it is his favorite sport. He chose wrestling because it seemed unique to him and said, “nothing else really stuck out” to him. Jackson inspired his younger brothers to pursue wrestling as well.

Jackson competes for the CCHS varsity wrestling team at the 106 lb weight class. He said, “It's good, [but] practices can be a little harder.” During the school season he dedicates most of his free time to wrestling, practicing twice a day and in the off season once a day. Jackson also plays lacrosse and wrestles for a club team, making for a busy schedule.

Jackson is a member of the C2X wrestling club whose practices are more difficult but he is determined to improve. The club begins with a thirty-minute warmup, a thirty-minute technique drill, and thirty minutes of sprints, which Jackson says are awful. He has traveled all over the east coast with his club. He said his biggest influences are his eight club coaches, most of whom are collegiate wrestlers.

Jackson has had to overcome several challenges throughout his wrestling career.-0

He has suffered two concussions while drilling. Making his way to states and pushing through tough losses were his biggest hurdles.

Jackson has already qualified for the state championship tournament and Super 32, which is regarded as the toughest wrestling tournament in the country. He aspires to compete in North Dakota at a tournament called Fargo, but must place in the top ten at states to qualify. He hopes to perform well at nationals, also known as NHSCA, in a few weeks at Virginia beach. Jackson’s advice for students who play sports or want to play a sport is to “stay consistent.”