Central Michigan University Athletics
Jason Borrelli Profile
2/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Feb. 24, 2006
By Erin Kuhl
Sports Information Student Assistant
MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University senior wrestler Jason Borrelli has no intentions of giving up wrestling, even after his competitive days are over at CMU.
"I love wrestling, and I'm attached to it," Borrelli said. "I want to stay in wrestling as a coach and help younger wrestlers develop their skills. After this year, I would like to become a graduate assistant at a university somewhere or get into coaching at the high school level."
Borrelli's dream job would be as a Division I wrestling coach, just like his father, CMU head coach Tom Borrelli.
"Having my dad as a coach can be challenging at times because he pushes me harder and expects a lot out of me," the Mount Pleasant native said.
While at CMU, the future coach has learned some valuable tips from his father.
"When I get into coaching, I will definitely take my father's wrestling philosophy to my team," Borrelli said. "My dad has raised the level of expectations at CMU. If you expect more out of your athletes, they will expect more out of themselves and be more successful."
Being around CMU wrestling most of his life installed a love of the school and sport in Borrelli. In his younger days, Borrelli looked up to former CMU standout Casey Cunningham, who is currently CMU's assistant coach.
"At CMU, we are blessed to have good coaches who believe in us," said the 133-pound wrestler. "Even though it is a smaller Division I school, we are able to gain national recognition in our sport, both individually and as a team."
This year, Borrelli has taken on more of a leadership role on the team. His experience and hard work have given his teammates a work ethic and dedication to follow.
"In the past, I mostly led by example," the senior said. "Now, with only two seniors on the team, I have to be more vocal and help motivate the younger guys."
During his career, Borrelli has experienced individual and team success. In 2005, Borrelli won his first Mid-American Conference title at 133 pounds and was a national qualifier. The same year CMU won the conference title. CMU also won the MAC championship in Borrelli's first two seasons.
"Last year's MAC Tournament was my favorite memory here at CMU," the senior said. "It was an amazing experience to have nine of our wrestlers in the finals, and then have eight of them become MAC champions."
Thinking about last year's tournament experience just gets Borrelli more fired up about this year's competition.
"Our team's success so far has really made my senior year exciting," Borrelli said. "I'm looking forward to each opportunity we have to compete and be successful.
"I also am looking forward to the national tournament, which will give me the opportunity to accomplish some of my individual goals. Although wrestling is a team sport, it is unique because out on the mat it is all one-on-one. You have to be mentally prepared because it is up to you."
During his career, the senior has learned to balance being a student and an athlete. By focusing on his goals, this Chippewa has been successful both on and off of the mat.
"Being a student-athlete has taught me a lot about making sacrifices and time management," Borrelli said. "You have to give a lot up to be successful and stay on the right path."
This past December, the fifth year senior completed his undergraduate degree in management. He is currently working on a marketing major to add to his undergraduate degree.
"As a freshman, five years seems so far away, but it goes by fast," Borrelli said. "My advice to my younger teammates and any underclassman athletes would be to enjoy your years as an athlete and make the most of them."
