Kenny Kleshick is a senior wrestler at Egg Harbor Township who currently is flying under the radar. That might change soon as the 17-year-old currently is undefeated at 138 pounds after missing the first few weeks due to injury. College reporter Nick Kosko catches up with his former teammate to discuss his final high school season. Kosko: How does it feel to be a senior wrestler? Did the time fly by? Kleshick: To think my senior year of wrestling is almost over makes me wonder where the time has gone. It seems like yesterday I was a freshman and barely knew anything about the sport. Kosko: How has the team looked so far? Kleshick: The team is very young, but has a huge amount of talent. I wish I was able to stick around longer because they are on their way to becoming an amazing team. 
Egg Harbor Township senior Kenny Kleshick is one of the best wrestlers in District 32 in the 138-pound weight class. (Glory Days Magazine photo/Dave O’Sullivan) Kosko: What did you do in the summer to prepare for your final season of high school wrestling? Kleshick: I had some personal issues leading up to my last high school season, so I wasn’t able to go to a club or anything as often as I wanted. However, I worked out and did cardio about six days a week. Kosko: What was going through your mind when you were injured in the beginning of the season? Kleshick: At first, I was nervous that my season was going to be over before it started. Once I went to physical therapy the doctor told me I was able to wrestle, I found a new hunger for the sport like never before. Kosko: How did you manage to stay in shape considering you missed a good amount of practice time? Kleshick: It was hard, but I did everything I could. I worked out as much as possible and basically did everything possible that was within my limits. Kosko: What are your main goals for the rest of the season? Kleshick: I want to be on the boards in the wrestling room and I want to take this season as far as possible so people remember my name. Kosko: You are arguably the best wrestler in District 32 at 138. Do you ever think about that or just stay away from the hype? Kleshick: I stay clear of all of the talk. I don’t care what people say about me because I just want to go out there and do my thing. I basically see myself as an underdog trying to make a name for myself. Kosko: What is your most memorable match in high school so far? Kleshick: My most memorable match is actually last year’s loss to Yanni Patsaros from Absegami. Even though I lost, it changed my attitude for the better and I wouldn’t be the wrestler I am today without it. Kosko: Coach (Mike) Caiazza and coach (Bryan) Carmichael are very vocal during matches. Can you actually hear them when you are wrestling? Kleshick: I actually can and I learned to pick up just their voices while wrestling because they both are a big part of the match. I’m always listening in the back of my mind for any advice. Kosko: Think you could actually beat Caiazza in a match? Kleshick: He is a very tough wrestler and has so many years of experience, practically his whole life. I think if we went at it you’d want somebody recording it because we definitely would brawl. Kosko: I know you guys use Hudl to record and watch previous matches. How often are you looking at those? Are you studying your technique? Kleshick: I am very hard on myself so I have other people look at them to try and pick up things that I missed. Every once in awhile I will go on and watch a lot of my matches to find any bad habits and immediately correct them. Kosko: What’s the biggest thing wrestling has taught you through the years? Kleshick: Wrestling has made me who I am today. It has taught me that there is nothing in life that will keep you from doing what you want. Only you can keep you form doing something. If you want something bad enough, then you will go after it and won’t stop until it’s accomplished. [adsense]
I got the mic: Kenny Kleshick, Egg Harbor Township wrestling
