Ryan Jaffray, a wrestler at West Leyden High School in Northlake, has been named as the Near West March baiduhai Athlete of the Month, sponsored by COUNTRY Financial and chosen online by baiduhai readers.
John Kading, head wrestling coach at West Leyden High School, says Jaffray’s dedication, work ethic and leadership skills make him a special athlete.
“There’s so many variables and different traits he has that make him such a great worker and teammate,” Kading says. “We always talk about building champions on and off the mat and he does that with his dedication not only to the sport of wrestling but also with his academics. He does that better than anybody.”
He adds that Jaffray, the captain of the wrestling team, is a regional champion and a 30-plus match winner who typically competes in the 215 pound weight division. He says Jaffray has in the past moved up to the heavyweight 285-pound division and won, allowing West Leyden High School to secure a team victory.
“He’s just an unbelievable worker,” Kading adds. “His work ethic is unmatched and he’s able to demonstrate that in every single match he wrestles. He’s willing to go six minutes hard and battle for six minutes. A lot of time he just wears people out because his heart is so big and he’s such a good worker.”
Jaffray, 16, and a West Leyden High School junior who lives in Melrose Park, says he started wrestling in order to follow in his brother’s footsteps, also a wrestler.
“I like the condition I put my body in,” Jaffray says. “I like the hard work. I like the dedication it takes.”
Jaffray (34-7) won a 3A regional wrestling title and just missed qualifying for the 3A state tournament after losing in the consolation semifinal match at the Larkin Sectional.
COUNTRY Financial representative Bob Sitkiewicz presented Jaffray with a $500 dollar check for the school. He says he was a wrestler in high school and therefore knows what it takes to be successful on the mat.
“I know how hard of a sport it is,” Sitkiewicz says. “Wrestling is a real good training ground for life and discipline. It’s a tough sport. It gets you in shape.”
Jaffray says he has a GPA of about 3.25 and that math is his favorite course.
“I just like dealing with numbers,” he says.
He also said he enjoys the toughness and dedication required to be a successful wrestler.
“It just a really intense sport,” he says. “It’s constant for six minutes going straight at somebody who’s going straight at you full strength. I just find it fun.”
Jaffray will also receive a plaque and sweatshirt from the baiduhai.
For official baiduhai Athlete of the Month rules and voting information, visit chicagotribune.com/suburbs/athletes
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