A Chat With Jason Calandra

By Walter Sharon

 

Jason Calandra (‘17) is the first wrestler in the history of the LCA Wrestling program to qualify for the national invitational tournament as a sophomore. I talked to Jason about his wrestling career, what it means to have made the tournament, and how his brothers, Nathan and Brian Calandra, both legends in LCA wrestling lore, helped to achieve such unheard of goals.

 

 

WS: How does it feel to be the first sophomore to ever make it to nationals from LCA?

JC: I guess that it's kind of surreal to have made it this far. It's actually really cool to get the opportunity to go to nationals in general because you get to wrestle people from all over the country that have different styles and techniques and it's really going to benefit me just by being here.

 

 

WS: What is the atmosphere like at the tournament?

JC: The atmosphere here so far is very intimidating [laughs]. We haven't even done any wrestling yet but just being around some of these guys and knowing that I am surrounded by the best wrestlers in the country is really humbling. The arena that nationals is held in is huge. There are 8 mats across the floor as well as balconies surrounding the floor where all the spectators are. Just seeing the room gives off a feeling of how big a deal this really is.

 

 

WS: How have your brothers, Nathan and Brian, helped you to grow and succeed as a wrestler?

JC: As for my brothers I know that I wouldn't even be noticed as a wrestler without them. I don’t know if I might even be wrestling at all. Ever since I can remember I've always looked up to them and seen all that they have accomplished and the kind of people they are. I've always wanted to grow up to be just like them. Since I started wrestling in middle school, I've always gotten really nervous before matches or tournaments, but there's always been an older brother behind me to say exactly what I needed to hear.

 

 

WS: Where might you say your inspiration has come from?

JC: I can say that my inspiration has always come from my family. More specifically, my goals are to achieve at least what my brothers did in their day, if not a little bit better.

 

 

WS: The Calandra name has become a household name throughout the league over the years. How does it feel to carry the torch and continue the legacy?

JC: As for continuing their legacy, I think it's just really cool to go up and shake a coaches hand after a match that I don't know, and have them say "good job calandra." That is amazing because they know my brothers and what they did and to come from that is an honor. Basically everything I achieve is a testament to their hard work.

 

 

WS: In your opinion, based on the success of the past couple of years, where is the wrestling team at LCA headed?

JC: As for the team, we are just going to keep getting better. This year we are only graduating two seniors and we have a large sophomore class of strong and experienced wrestlers that are just a really great group of guys. Next year and the year after we should have even more success in the regular and post-season which is huge because this year we have already broken almost all of the previously standing records, even a few of my brothers. I am excited for the next years to come because this year we placed 15th at NEPSACS as a team and if we could break into the top ten, that would be huge for an EIL school. We would finally get some recognition in the New England wrestling community.

 

 

WS: In light of your successes so far and your goals moving forward, what is one thing that shapes your mentality?

JC: Nothing is impossible for someone who works hard and lives their life with determination.