Wednesday was A.J. Graves day In Jeannette. The Jayhawks' wrestling star was honored for his exploits on the mat in a ceremony before last night's council meeting.
"It's not too many times we get to present somebody with a proclamation," said Mayor Michael Cafasso. "They are far and few between. But when the honor is there we try to give it them."
Graves was the only wrestler from the WPIAL to finish the season undefeated. He culminated his 41-0 campaign by defeating Valley's Logan Downes for the state title at 171 pounds. He also set a Jeannette record at that weight class with 135 career victories.
"The kid just had a knack for the sport," said Charlie Cook, Jeannette wrestling coach. "He could watch it on TV. He'll start throwing these moves and stay with it until he gets it down. The next match he's out there using them. That's the type of person he is. He can pick up the sport that fast."
Along with the proclamation from the city of Jeannette, Graves received a Legislative Acknowledgment from Rep. James E. Casorio Jr.
"It just shows our town still has spirit, our youth still has gumption to go out and achieve," Cafasso said during the meeting.
Graves also was captain of the Jayhawks' football team and has been selected to play in the Foothills Classic All-Star Game.
