JERSEY CITY, N.J. — After joining the New Jersey City University men's wrestling program prior to the 2022-23 season as the team's top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, Jason Estevez has officially been elevated to the position of head men's wrestling coach, becoming the second person to occupy the role in the program's young history.

"I am truly honored and excited to take on the role of head coach for NJCU men's wrestling," said Estevez. "I am looking forward to helping instill a winning culture and guide our team to success. As a staff, we are committed to bringing titles to Jersey City and helping our student-athletes reach their full potential on and off the mat."

As mentioned, Estevez joined the Gothic Knights prior to last season and served as the lead recruiter for the program. His hard work paid off as several new student-athletes will be joining the NJCU men's wrestling program for the upcoming season. Additionally, with his help, a pair of NJCU grapplers finished 2022-23 with double-digit victories and top-seven finishes at the NCAA Division III MidEast Regional Championships.

"We congratulate Jason Estevez as the next head coach of the NJCU men's wrestling program," said Director of Athletics, Robert Cole. "Jason understands elite wrestling in New Jersey and has a clear vision for sustained success at NJCU. As our lead recruiter from a year ago, he has added quality student-athletes in his short time on campus. We are excited for him to build an exceptional roster with competitive depth, as well as ensure continued growth for his student-athletes in the classroom and throughout the University community for years to come."

Prior to joining the Gothic Knights, Estevez served as an assistant coach with his alma mater, Livingston High School from 2020-22. There he assisted in facilitating practices, developed specifically catered strategies to each of his individual wrestlers, focused on in-match coaching during official competitions and much more. Additionally, Estevez serves as a private coach, as well as the head coach and founder of the Este Built Wrestling Club since August 2020.

A 2019 graduate of the University at Buffalo with a degree in sociology, Estevez was a four-year varsity starter for the Bulls' Division I men's wrestling program. Serving as a two-year team captain, he wrestled at both 141 and 149 pounds during his time as a collegian. Some of his career highlights include the 2019 Black Knight Invitational Championship, qualifying for the 2015 World Team Trials, placing fifth at the 2015 FILA Junior Freestyle Championships to earn All-American honors, and more.

A 2013 graduate of Livingston High School, Estevez put together one of the most respectable high school wrestling careers in school history. The 2013 Livingston High School Male Athlete of the Year, Estevez was also named Essex County Wrestler of the Year as a senior. He amassed 140 all-time victories and was a two-time All-American (2010-11 and 2011-12). He also placed third at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) State Championships as a junior (2011-12) and senior (2012-13). A four-time Essex County Champion, Estevez is a four-time finalist and two-time champion at both the Regional and District levels.

A native of Livingston, N.J., Estevez currently resides as West Orange, N.J.