Saturday, March 1st, marked a significant moment in the history of Tinora High School as senior Jacob Bishop has qualified for the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament, achieving his remarkable 100th career win. This milestone not only highlights Jacob's dedication and talent but also creates a special bond between him and his father, Matt Bishop, who qualified for the same tournament back in 1994. Together, they have become the first father-son duo to reach this achievement in their respective eras, a testament to their family's legacy in the sport.
Jacob's journey to this milestone has been nothing short of inspiring. His father, Matt, reflects on his own wrestling career, stating, "I don’t remember my overall record, but I finished my career with 82 wins." While he may not keep track of Jacob’s losses, it's clear that Jacob's accomplishments far exceed those of his father, showcasing his hard work and commitment to excellence on the mat.
Matt's pride in Jacob is visible. He recalls, "I took him away from his passion, soccer, when I retired from the Army and returned from England." Recognizing Jacob's athletic gifts from a young age, Matt knew that wrestling would be a perfect fit for his son. "He has always been an athletic phenom," he says, and this has proven true as Jacob has excelled in multiple sports, not just wrestling.
In addition to his wrestling skills, Jacob has made history in football by being the first ever to earn All-GMC honors in four different positions: kicker, punter, wide receiver, and defensive back. As if that’s not enough, he is on track to become one of only a handful of Tinora athletes to earn 12 varsity letters—a feat that is incredibly challenging, especially as a freshman competing in all three sports seasons.
Looking ahead, Matt is optimistic about Jacob's potential. "If track goes as planned, he will be all-state in all three of his senior year sports in the same year," he shares. Yet, amidst all these honors, it’s Jacob’s humbleness that stands out the most to his father. "He wants no limelight and just does his job. Professionally," Matt emphasizes, showcasing the character traits that make Jacob not just a great athlete but also a remarkable young man.
As Jacob prepares for the upcoming state tournament, he has set his sights on earning an engineering degree and continuing his football career at the college level. With several large universities considering him, the future looks bright for this young star.
The Bishop family's legacy continues to inspire Tinora High School and the wider community. Jacob's journey exemplifies hard work, dedication, and humbleness—all the hallmarks of a true champion. As he steps onto the mat at the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament, the support of his family and fans will undoubtedly propel him to new heights, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exceptional athlete.
