Perhaps one of the more well-known pictures of John Gioffre was taken at last year’s state wrestling tournament.

Sometime during the weekend, the then-junior at Cinco Ranch won a match and let out an exulted yell. The heavyweight earned only fifth-place in the event, but his last win meant the difference between the Cougars winning the state championship and finishing second.

That jubilation has created unforeseen – and almost unmatched – success this season.

Gioffre went 5-0 to win the Texas State Duals Saturday at the Merrell Center.

For his accomplishments, he is the College Ball or Bust.com Athlete of the Week.

After losing in the semifinals of last year’s state tournament, Gioffre is 29-0 this season thanks in part to  few technical tweaks and thirst to improve on his finish.

“I’m taking things a lot slower this year and I’m not overlooking anyone,” said Gioffre, a verbal commitment to Rice for football. “You have to wrestle your best now to get to where you want to be later.”

Even more impressive than Gioffre’s record is that he remains unscored upon this season.

“I didn’t even think that was possible until I was talking to coach (Bill Dushane) one day,” Gioffre said. “I said ‘Imagine that, an unscored-on state champion.’ He just kind of laughed.”

But as it turns out, lightning striking twice in that department for Cinco is entirely possible.

Matt Tiffin, a two-time state champion from Cinco who graduated in 2004 and went on to Stanford, went 98-1 his junior and senior seasons and was unscored upon his senior year.

“When I saw that, I realized it was possible,” Gioffre said.

Not that he would let such an distinction derail larger achievements.

“I would never let that compromise a match,” he said. “That’s a plus, icing on the cake. It’s not the main goal.”

Gioffre has incorporated an array of lightweight moves into his arsenal, including increased shooting.

“I’m going with some low singles instead of thrusting,” he said. “I’m trying to take my shots and pick up the pace of the match.”

Gioffre has found himself in a leadership capacity this season, helping along several young wrestlers who either weren’t in the spotlight or not on the team last year. The Cougars placed 10th at the State Duals.

However this season ends will be Gioffre’s swan song. He doesn’t plan to wrestle in college, though he may grapple on the side or in a club setting.

Subscribe to this comment's feed