Michael Venneri ’27
Senior captain of the Boys Wrestling team, Jack Signor ’26, wrestles with intensity that is fueled by his passion for the sport and his dedication to his teammates. During his career as a wrestler, Signor has become a cornerstone of the program through his relentless play style and high level of preparation. Whether in practice or competition, Signor defines what a leader is on and off the mat.
Signor began wrestling at just four years old after being introduced to the sport by his father, who was a former wrestler and coach. Signor joined the Media Youth Wrestling Team and competed with them until eighth grade. “We traveled all over the country when I was younger,” Signor says as he reflects on the time he spent competing alongside his father and his teammates.
Since arriving at EA for his freshman year, Signor has competed on the varsity team for all four years. Alongside wrestling, Signor is a tri-sport athlete, also competing in football and baseball. Signor chose EA for the well-rounded balance the school provides, allowing for a healthy mix of athletics and academics.
Signor leads through his actions more than words, which inspires his teammates. Teammate Mason Pacitto ’28 describes Signor as someone who immediately made him feel welcome from the moment he joined the team. “As soon as I met him, he was very inclusive,” Pacitto says. “Even if you’re not the biggest guy on the team, Signor makes sure that you feel that you are part of the team.”
Photo courtesy of Jack Signor
Signor always embodies the Stripes, even when it might be easier not to. Teammate Tripp Murphy ’27 highlights Signor’s resilience and sportsmanship, and his ability to be humble after a loss. “In a match against Malvern Prep, it was Jack against one of their top wrestlers, and he unfortunately did not come up on top,” Tripp says. “I admired his ability to stay calm and remain in the realm of sportsmanship.” Signor’s ability to remain respectful and calm even after a tough match explains why he is such a great wrestler but an even better captain.
Similarly, Carson Jakuc ’27 recalls a practice that perfectly captures Signor’s leadership. On one occasion, when the team was goofing off and lacking effort, Signor pulled everyone aside and challenged everyone to take ownership of their effort and start to compete. “After Signor’s intervention, we went on to have a great practice,” Carson says. This moment was another direct representation of Signor’s leadership and how he can be vocal when needed and deeply cares about keeping the team in check.
As the only Senior on the team this year, Signor keeps the team focused, but also fun. Head Coach Damon Kuzemka explains, “He can be focused and serious, but he can also, when appropriate, be really jovial and fun.” He continues, “He leads by all kinds of examples from hard work to self-criticism and his ability to recover from difficult moments.”
Signor’s preparation and technical skill set are what separate him on the mat. According to Kuzemka, “ [he] is among the best wrestlers I have coached in my 16 years.” Signor trains multiple times a day and prides himself on being mentally ready for each match that he competes in. “When I step on the mat, I know that I have done everything I could do to prepare for the match,” Signor says. This consistent preparation has positioned Signor among the most successful wrestlers in the program’s history, with a good chance of achieving All-American status this season.
Looking ahead, Signor is excited to continue his wrestling career at Gettysburg College. He shares, “They had everything I wanted, and it was just a really, really good fit.” Beyond wrestling, Signor was drawn to the school’s strong sense of community and academic opportunities. Undoubtedly, Signor will continue to thrive for the Bullets.
For Signor, wrestling has always been about more than wins and losses; it’s about consistency, accountability, and showing up for the people around him at all times. As Pacitto says, “He is really just a great role model for everyone on the team.” Signor’s influence on Episcopal lives beyond the wrestling mat will have a long-lasting impact after his senior season comes to an end.
