Tampa Jesuit has many standout wrestlers, but not too many who can claim they are on a world team. Kawayran “KJ” Vazquez is one of them who can! KJ is a member of the Puerto Rican 17U World Team and will represt PR in Amman, Jordan. KJ competes in the 71kg weight class [156.25 pounds] which is historically a pretty competitive weight class for international competition. It’s about 6 pounds heavier than the 150 pound weight class in which he competed during his freshman year in high school last season.
KJ’s father said ” We are so proud of him and all of his accomplishments. Especially this past year an a half.” In the past 18 months, KJ has won 2 silver medals at the 15U Pan-Am’s, 1 silver and 1 bronze at the 17U Pan-Am’s and a silver medal at the FHSAA IBT State Championships. His four Pan-Am medals were won while representing Puerto Rico. His silver medal at the FHSAA State Championships was won while competing for Tampa Jesuit where he will be a sophomore this coming season. Coach Sal Basile, a Hall of Fame inductee coaches KJ at Tampa Jesuit.
In case you were not impressed enough with the many accomplishments KJ has achieved at such a young age, he was named All-American a few weeks ago in Fargo, North Dakota at the US Marine Corp Junior and 16U National Championships. This event is considered the toughest high school aged tournament in the country. KJ competed in the 16U Freestyle 150 pound division and was able to get on the podium to be named a Fargo All-American.
This is an incredible accomplishment and I feel KJ will make a few more trips to the podium in Fargo over the next few years. This year he was able to place 8th in the 16U Freestyle Division which was good enough to become AA. The top 8 placers in each weight class will make the podium and be presented with the “stop sign” shaped plaque at Fargo. Along with the top 8 placement comes the title of Fargo All-American.
Many wrestlers will go their entire high school career without making the podium in Fargo. KJ did it the summer after his freshman year!! Congratulations to Kawayran “KJ” Vazquez on his incredible accomplishments and we wish him the best of luck in Amman, Jordan on his quest for GOLD!!!