Through three seasons, he had accumulated 78 wins, needing just 22 to crack the 100-win milestone while also having a fair shot to finally punch that coveted first ticket to states, coming off back-to-back close calls and improving by the season. And on top of that, he’d be at the forefront of the Wildcats’ pursuit of another deep dual postseason run.

But just five matches into the campaign, those prospects were derailed.

After multiple close battles at Central Mountain’s debut tournament in Top Hat, Weaver would suffer an injury in the fifth-place bout at 172 that appeared – and proved – to be serious. It would soon be revealed to be chest tear, requiring surgery and effectively ending his season.

Justifiably, the days following the diagnosis were difficult.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Central Mountain’s Jacob Weaver takes down a wrestler during a match in 2024. Weaver was injured this year, but despite his injury he’s stepped up as a senior leader and made an impact for his fellow teammates.

Injuries are an unfortunate reality in all athletics, particularly Weaver’s two sports of choice in football and wrestling. And while there are ways to mitigate the chances of enduring one, they aren’t preventable.

Still, the senior leader had a role to play.

Being around the mats following the injury, knowing what was left on the table, would be a challenge. But Weaver was motivated to help his team out in any way he could, and that motivation came immediately.

“It wasn’t over time like, ‘Man, I should get to this.’ I knew I had to. I knew my friends were still counting on me,” expressed Weaver. “The world doesn’t revolve around me, so I knew that I could still get in the room. I knew I could still be a coach to them, a mention to them, a leader to them, and coach them to be better wrestlers.”

If you’ve attended any Central Mountain wrestling event throughout the season, chances are you’ve seen Weaver present on the sideline with his team.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Central Mountain’s Jacob Weaver receives a medal during the 2025 District 6 Class AAA Duals tournament from coach Biff Walizer this year.

Through every practice, tournament and dual – home and away – the senior has been there to support his teammates. It doesn’t matter that he’s unable to compete. He’s still a core member of the team and one that rarely takes days off.

“He’s still there at every practice; he’s still here at every competition,” said Central Mountain head coach Biff Walizer on the senior. “He’s walking around the room, throwing in some tidbits to the guys as we’re drilling and everything.”

That’s a core aspect of his character, his care for his teammates and drive to help them succeed.

“He likes to be around and help his teammates out, help out in any way he can,” said Walizer. “To see him stick around, support his teammates and not just go off into the sunset with his season being over, it means the world to me.”

Through three seasons with the team, he closed out his career with an 80-59 record, surpassing 30 wins in a season as a junior and collecting five postseason medals to wrap up his respective campaigns. At districts, he garnered to bronze medals and placed fourth as a freshman. At regionals, he earned a placement in both his appearances, taking fifth as a sophomore and fourth as a junior.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Central Mountain’s Jacob Weaver, right, looks on during a dual. Weaver suffered an injury but has made an impact with the Wildcats this year.

With his recovery time projected to be between four to six months and his surgery occurring in December, he’s hoping to be able to return to the mat by the end of April or early May. For now, the focus has been on deciding where he’ll continue his scholastic and wrestling career once he graduates.

On top of wrestling, Weaver is looking to work towards becoming a physician assistant and hopes to find a university that helps him there while also giving him an opportunity to compete. As it stands, his final four choices are Misericordia University, Albright College, Wilkes University and Delaware Valley.

Wherever he ends up landing, Weaver can’t wait to get back to competing and looks to build a similar legacy to the one he produced throughout his time with the Wildcats. Though he wasn’t able to secure the 100-win milestone in high school, he still sees an opportunity to hit triple digits lying ahead.

“I couldn’t get my hundred wins in high school, but I’ll definitely get it in college,” said Weaver. “I’m amped to get back.”