Carlyton’s Class Act
May 7, 2009
As Mick and I entered Carlynton High School we observed a huge “Congratulations Roussos” banner that was hanging in the hallway, a tribute to his 2009 State Wrestling Championship. It was immediate from that first moment that Jordon Roussos, Team USA DE was a very big deal on the campus of Carlynton H.S, and the town of Carnegie, Pennsylvania. Being from a small community everyone takes notice, and it is no different with Jordan, as many people have been following him throughout high school. When asked to describe Jordan, “passion for football, hard worker, and quality young man” were just a few of the descriptions. James Bailey, a school bus driver who has had the “privilege” to drive Jordan to his football games and wrestling matches the past four years has no doubt the he can be a “very special player.” admitting he’s going to keep a close eye on his progress at Bowling Green, and expecting to see him playing on Sundays one day.
Jordan described himself as “a big fish in a small pond” and it was evident as we walked down the school’s hallway. Jordan size and stature dwarfed everyone we passed, but he had not let it get to his head, describing himself as a “goofy kid that just likes to make people laugh.” It was obvious to see that he was a likable guy, with numerous students slapping hands and giving him congratulations for his accomplishments as we strolled through the hallway.
While he may be the big man on campus now he recognizes that will be changing soon, and is one of the many reasons he is looking forward to the Junior World Championship. A good way to test his skills with some of the best athletes in the country before moving on to play at Bowling Green. He was very interested in his Team USA teammates, wondering how he would stack up. While I assured him his size and athletic ability may be startling at Carlynton, he will be contributing to an already stacked and massive defensive line for Team USA coach Jeremy Gold.
As Mick and I were posing for our “signature” photo shot near the Carlynton H.S. sign we ran across Jordan’s mother, Eve. Her excitement for her “little boy” was evident, as she was still in taking in the idea that her son would be playing for Team USA. Jordan is just one more great addition to the team, full of character and athletic talent. Team USA head coach Chuck Kyle and his staff did an excellent job assembling this team. After meeting with many of these kids individually I’m ready to see how they all gel together, and I see Jordan being one the guys able to bring all these special young men together. With only a few weeks of preparation before competition begins, Team USA needs a few guys to lighten the load with laughter and humor, and I foresee Jordan being that guy.
Till Next Time,
Matt
