The best youth coaching staff in USA
Youth Director - John Swertfager
John was a 12x Varsity letter winner and Section 1 Champion at John Jay receiving HS All-American Honors. He went on to play 4 years of collegiate baseball before returning to coach both the John Jay Varsity Program as well as spending time coaching at Empire Wrestling academy. In his 7 year stint as the JJW Varsity assistant he helped win 4 Section 1 titles and coached 6 Section one champions. He has trained and coached All-State wrestlers, State Champions, HS All-Americans and NCAA All - Americans.
Youth Director - Bill Swertfager
A passion for wrestling like no other. Coach Bill started the John Jay Wrestling program from scratch in 2001. Since then he has compiled over 400 wins, 8 Section 1 team titles, 18 Section 1 Champions, 12 All-State wrestlers and 2 state champions. Coach Bill was a NYS Champion and All-State Football player at Horace Greeley. He went on to Play not one but two division 1 sports at William & Mary. He now directs the ship from the top and serves on KLSD Board of Education.
Coach Halil Gecaj
Halil, a 2x All-State and HS All-American is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the history of John Jay. One of the all time Wins, Pins and point leaders at john jay, Halil went on to play Division 1 football at Marist College. After graduation in 2022 he decided to give back to his true passion….. wrestling. He is excited to develop the next generation of JJ youth wrestlers.
Coach Scott Genovessi
Scott, a 3x All-Section wrestler, Section 1 Champion and All-State winner is now giving back to his alma mater. After HS Scott went on to wrestle Division 1 at U of Northern Colorado. Scott came up through the John Jay Youth program and is happy to be right back where he started.
Coach Donny Gecaj
Donny being an all time great from John Jay was plagued with injuries in the post season his junior and senior year. Still, He was recruited to wrestle Division 1 at Ryder University and Bloomberg University where he excelled and graduated in 2014. Donny Helped train his brother and cousin to both achieve All-State and All-American accolades and Honors.
Coach Chris Cook
One of the most decorated wrestlers to come out of John Jay. Chris was a 3x All-Section wrestler and earned ALL-State Honors his senior season. That same year he went on and Placed at the Prestgious Flo-Nationals and earned HS ALL-American Honors. One of only 5 John Jay All-American Wrestlers. Chris went on to wrestle at WPI and earned ALL-Region and Scholar All-American Honors.
Coach Tim Gecaj
Timmy, an All-State wrestler was and is a mountain of a man. Teaching and working with the big boys on positioning and technique is his specialty. He was a Division 1 NCAA athlete at both Rider University and Bloomberg University. He competed at Heavyweight and had an outstanding career. Now, the father of 2 is looking to give back and create the best youth program in the country.