John Jay-East Fishkill High School wrestling coach Jamie Weaver poses with Tyler Albis.(Photo: Courtesy photo)

Jamie Weaver was working as an officer in the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in 1997.

Its a dangerous job. Officers risk injury from belligerent inmates, transporting them and conducting body searches. Despite being a tall and brawny former wrestler at Spackenkill High School, Weaver was the victim of such circumstances. He was assaulted by an inmate who attacked him with a homemade razor blade.

The prisoner who charged at him was young 19 years old and he slashed Weavers face and chest, leaving him with gashes and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Weaver gained perspective from the harrowing experience.

Just the fact that a kid that young has no life ahead of him now," he said."It made me think,maybe I could possibly make a difference in one kids life."

Weaver found a way to make a difference in many kids lives, coaching the sport he loves. He got a job at John Jay-East Fishkill as an assistant wrestling coach in 2000, and took over the program as head coach for Tom Roger in2004.

Over the years, hes played a part in the growth of his wrestlers and guided them to impressive feats,including Section 1 titles, school records, and trips to Albany for the statetournament. Before his 20th year as a John Jay coach, though, Weaver decided this season would be his last.

With his daughters getting older and with plans to eventually move south, it was time, he said. But no matter where he goes, he isnt going to forget the impact coaching has made on him.

Its been a life-changing experience, said Weaver, who has accrued more than100 victories. What had happened to me just prior to moving into that position and stepping up to the varsity position. Over the years, Ive heard kids say, Youve done so much for me, but if they only know how much theyve all done for me.

"It brings tears to my eyes, thinking about it. Its amazing what Ive gotten from it.

John Jay-East Fishkill High School wrestling coach Jamie Weaver poses after collecting his 100th career win.(Photo: Courtesy photo)

Likewise, his wrestlers have learned a lot from him.

Hes one of those people, no matter what, hes always in your corner, said Jay Albis, a 2015 John Jay graduate whom Weaver coached to a second-place finish in the state championships as a senior. He goes beyond wrestling. Hes a mentor you can look up to off the mat.

Weaver said he isnt sure who is going to succeed him as coach, but he hopes the position goes to someone withinthe Patriotswrestling family.

I would love (for it to be) a former Jay wrestler," he said."Even though Im not a former Jay wrestler, I feel like an alumnus of John Jay because of the amount of time Ive been there. Id love to see a former wrestler come back and continue on something I have worked so hard at.

After wrestling at the varsity level for six years at Spackenkill, Weaver went on to wrestle at SUNY Morrisville. In his first year out of college, he went back to Spackenkill as an assistant coach for one season before joining the corrections department.

His schedule at the department didnt allow him to continue coaching at first. Following the slashing incident, he was placed on disability. It was during that time when a friend told him about the assistant coachopening at John Jay.

He jumped at the chance and got the job, easing the pressure from his post-traumatic stress disorder a mental health condition that is triggered by memories of a terrifying event in the process.

Jamie Weaver, John Jay wrestling coach(Photo: Courtesy photo)

I had mentioned that Id like to get back into it, Weaver said. And I knew that first day, it was just ...something about it really put me at ease and took a lot of the outside stress and anxiety that I suffered away. I got rid of it for those couple hours in the wrestling room each day.

When he took over as head coach, he felt even better.

In his first year, Kevin Bohren wona section championship. Bohren had approached him on the first day of practice, full of excitement and with dreams of Weaver leading him to glory.

(When) he jumped into my arms and it was such an incredible feeling, Weaver said of Bohren's championship match. We practiced all year and when he won the section title down in New Rochelle that year, he was coming off the mat, pointing at me like, Here I come!

Bohren certainly wasn'tthe only athlete who has leaped into Weavers arms after a big victory.

Four years ago, Albis said he did so, when he reached the 113-pound state final. Albis lost a close match a 3-2 decision in triple overtime to Huntingtons John Arceri. But, he had defeated Wantaghs Kyle Quinn in the semifinals, avenging three losses in their previous meetings.

John Jay wrestling coach Jamie Weaver looks on as Randy Earl and Jack Bokina of Mattituck face off for the 126 pound title at the 51st Annual Mid-Hudson Wrestling Invitational at Arlington High School December 28, 2016.(Photo: Michael Giacalone for The Poughkeepsie Journal)

Weaver called it thrilling and one of his fondest memories. Albis said hes honored to have that moment rank among Weavers finest.

For me to be a part of one of his favorite moments, nothing makes me happier, Albis said. It makes me excited that throughout his long career of coaching that its going to stick with him.

Albis went on to win twoNCAA Division III titles, wrestling for Johnson & Wales University. He said Weaver was the first person he received a congratulatory phone call from followingboth wins.

The John Jay-East Fishkill High School wrestling team poses with coach Jamie Weaver, pictured in the back left.(Photo: Courtesy photo)

Weaver rememberscoaching current Roy C. Ketcham coach Chris Perry during a section final in his junior year a bout in which Perry dislocated his shoulderbut still managed to win.

It was the most heart-wrenching moment in my coaching career but he was destined to win that match, Weaver said.

Weaver has also seen school records come and go.

In 2017, Randy Earl set the program mark for career wins with 218, passing Weaver's former pupil Dale White. Tyler Albis, Jay Albis younger brother, has a chance to break Earls record this season.

White was a part of another one of Weavers favorite memories.

White was overweight for his first trip to the state tournament, but shaved pounds and eventually reached the fifth-place match. Down by two points, he managed an escape. Then, with three seconds left, Weaver gave White some advice.

Do whatever it takes to take this guy down, Weaver explained to his wrestler.

White heeded his coachs words and went on to win the match.

The Times Union Center erupted, Weaver added. It was crazy.

Weaver will coach his final regular-season home match on Jan. 30 against East Ramapo.

I got a few (wrestlers) who have said, No coach, you cant retire. Come on, you got another year,'" Weaver said."Its very heartwarming to hear that. Its nice to know that I mean that much to them, because its not just a relationship in the wrestling room.

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter:@AJ_Martelli

WEAVER: 2017 Journal Coach of the Year

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John Jay's Earl, Albis, Weaver closing in on milestones

NCAA champion Jay Albis hopes to duplicate feat

John Jays Albis, Perry root each other on through NCAA success

State success: Four area wrestlers earn podium spots at tournament

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