PARSIPPANY — Hard work truly does pay off. The sport of wrestling takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice. PJ Gohn knows the true meaning of hard work, dedication and the amount of time, it takes to get to where he has gotten today.
Every year, PJ continues to grow and expand his wrestling knowledge. At the start of the summer 2016, PJ wrestled in FILA Cadets in Ohio placing sixth place in Greco-style wrestling. He continued to perfect his wrestling which lead him to place fourth in Fargo. PJ totaled roughly forty-five matches in the off-season. His off season wrestling better prepared him to start his senior year. PJ took the season head on while battling a persistent injury. PJ had many accomplishments his senior year.
PJ wrestled in the Morris County Tournament and walked away with first place and Most Outstanding Wrestler. PJ moved ahead to Districts where he placed first and helped the Parsippany High School wrestling team become District champs which hasn’t happened since 1999. Regions was the next step for PJ where he placed first; gaining his third opportunity to return to states. This time, PJ made it his goal to place in top eight at 132 in New Jersey. Overcoming many obstacles, PJ’s tough wrestling lead him to place sixth in the state of the New Jersey.
PJ wanted to thank the Parsippany High school staff and administration for supporting him all four years in his academic and wrestling career. PJ says, “Thank you to coaches and wrestlers who helped me reach my goals in wrestling.” PJ says, “To my Edge Family especially Dave Esposito, Ryan Wilson, and Ernie Monaco, a truly special thanks for everything you all have done for me. I will never forget the time and effort you have given to me. To the Edge coaches, thank you for keeping me focused and mentally prepared.”
PJ says, “To Mike Kennedy at Pinnacle Athletic Development, a very special thank you for always being there since I was eight years old, even when I was down and didn’t think I could do it. You always gave me confidence and knew I could do it. I will always remember all the laughs we had and of course, all the hard work.” PJ wants to express his gratitude to all of his opponents, win or loss, and all the coaches; whether that be duels, tournaments, practices, clinics, etc. because of you, you all have made me a better wrestler and person.
PJ and his family are excited for the next adventure where he will continue his academics and wrestling Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, a D1 school. We are all excited to see what the next chapter in his life has to offer. PJ is very excited to work with Coach Flynn, the other wrestling coaches and wrestlers at Edinboro University.
