Jacoutot takes over Peddie's historic wrestling program
By John Chester
Windsor Heights Herald

The Peddie School's varsity wrestling program strives for –and achieves - success on a national level.

So when the Falcons needed a new head coach to take charge the program, the vacancy drew plenty of interest.

Back in September, Peddie announced that Bill Jacoutot Jr. had been hired as the 10th head coach in the history of the program. Jacoutot replaces John Leonardis, who is now an assistant coach at Rutgers University.

Last winter, Jacoutot was Applegarth Middle School's wrestling coach, working with seventh- and eighth-graders.

This winter, Jacoutot is the head coach of one of the top prep school wrestling programs the nation. The quantum leap makes perfect sense upon examining Jacoutot's resume.

Let's start with his 147-19 record wrestling at Spencerport High School in upstate New York. While at Spencerport, he wrestled for his father, Bill Jacoutot Sr., a legendary coach with more than 300 wins.

Jacoutot then attended his father's alma mater, the University of Buffalo. He excelled in Buffalo's Division I wrestling program, twice finishing in the top four in the conference (at 141 or 149 pounds).

After graduating from Buffalo in the Class of 2001 with a degree in History, Jacoutot began his teaching and coaching career at Spencerport High.

He taught Economics and World History and served as an assistant coach under his father for four school years, the last of which was 2005-06. Spencerport's 2003-04 team earned a state championship, the fourth of five for Jacoutot Sr.

The Jacoutot family has roots in New Jersey, in Old Bridge Township, Middlesex County, to be specific. Jacoutot moved to New Jersey to accept the teaching and coaching position at Applegarth last year.

Jacoutot quipped that he is teaching the same things to Peddie wrestlers this season that he taught at Applegarth. The differences are, of course, age and skill level.

"Bill brings a lot of knowledge and energy to the position. But he also brings a genuine concern for the development of our student-athletes - their academics, their character and their athleticism," noted Peddie Athletic Director Geoff Harlan.

Jacoutot will strive to maintain Peddie's success at the national level. Under Leonardis, Peddie had an impressive finish in the team standings each year in the season-ending National Prep Wrestling Championships (NPWC) - sixth in 2002, fourth in 2003, fifth in 2004, fourth in 2005, fourth in 2006 and 10th in 2007.

Also, Leonardis coached a number of wrestlers who won an individual championship at the NPWC. The most recent was Dan White, who scored five pins in as many matches to become the 125-pound champion in 2007 and earn recognition as winner of the Gerald Leeman Outstanding Wrestler Award.

White, who also won the NPWC championship at 125 in 2006, is forgoing his senior year at Peddie to attend the Resident Training Camp at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. CO. In 2006-07 as a junior, White had a record of 42-1. For his career. his record was 138-7.

Despite the early departure of White, Jacoutot said, "My predecessor has not left the cupboard bare. We have a pretty good team on paper. But I've told the kids they have to earn it."

The head coach continued, "We have a lot of potential. We'd like to finish in the top five nationally (at the NPWC)."

Prior to the NPWC, Peddie has a highly competitive schedule.

Frank Cimato will be a key wrestler on Jacoutot' s first Peddie team. Last season, Cimato finished third in the 112-pound weight class at the NPWC. This season, he'll wrestle at either 119 or 125.

Cimato will continue his education and wrestling career at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA.

Other important returnees are sophomore Zach Mayo, senior Chris Piccollela, senior Dylan Isenberg and junior Sean McSweeney.

Last season, Mayo wrestled at 171. This season, he'll move up to 189.

Piccollela, a senior, saw action last season at 135. He has received an appointment to the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.

Isenberg will wrestle at 171 this season, moving up from 160.

McSweeney last season did not wrestle at his natural weight - 112 - due to the presence of Cimato. Therefore, McSweeney wrestled one class higher - 119. This season, Jacoutot will utilize McSweeney at 112.

Peddie has added a talented newcomer to the program. Sophomore Mike Tully is a transfer student from Camden Catholic High.

Last season, Tully was a force for Camden Catholic at 103. This season, Jacoutot has Tully slated for action at 119 and/or 125.

NOTES: Peddie will open its season tomorrow, Saturday, in the Mike Caruso Tournament hosted by St. Benedict's Preparatory School, Newark, NJ. Then on Wednesday, December 5, the Falcons will host St. Benedict's in a dual match.