Stritch wrestling program set to make a comeback

Press Sports Editor
sports@presspublications.com

Cardinal Stritch has one of Ohio’s most storied wrestling traditions.
There was a state championship in 1985 and four state runner-up teams, plus nine wrestlers that have won 11 state championships and 17 state runner-up titles by 15 individuals.
One of those wrestling greats was Jim Bergman, who won a state championship before wrestling at Xavier University in Cincinnati. His son, J.D. won state titles for Oak Harbor in 2002 and ’03. Jim Bergman’s brother, George, who coached J.D., also placed at state, and has since built Oak Harbor into a state wrestling power.
In the past, the Cardinals competed in the City League and could hold its own with the best the area had to offer. “Cardinal Stritch wrestling has a history of being a powerhouse in the sport, winning team state titles and numerous individual championships for years,” said Stritch Athletic Director Matt Culkar. “Our wrestling program was well known and respected statewide (in the past). It was the backbone of our athletic department for years. It is something that has been missing from the school and community, and we are thrilled to bring it back to Stritch.
“We are reintroducing wrestling to all students in grades 3-8, and students in grades 9-12 are welcome to participate. The club program is free and the only equipment needed is athletic clothing and shoes. Head gear may be added later in the program’s development. For now the program will be a club sport as it rebuilds and becomes a varsity sport. There is no timetable. We are focused on building a solid foundation.”
Culkar talked about the process.
“We began reaching out to past wrestling alumni late last year. We had our first formal meeting with several board members and past members of the wrestling program on Feb. 24,” Culkar said. “We also sought input from past state champions in Paul Luther and Jim Derr, and several state runners-up. We also sent out surveys to students and families to better understand the interest before outlining a more detailed plan. Terry Reeves and Dan Jaksetic were also part of the discussion. Jaksetic generously donated to the program to jumpstart it.
Lucas Roach, who graduated from Clay in 2019 and coached the Eagles’ girls wrestling team from 2022-24, will lead the revitalized Stritch program.
“Lucas Roach has been around wrestling his whole life,” said Culkar. “He wrestled with the Stritch program through sixth grade and has been wrestling and coaching the sport for years.”
For more information on Stritch Athletics, contact Athletic Director Matthew Culkar at mculkar@cardinalstritch.org or visit cardinalstritch.org.