Takedown Report

Jeremiah Derby of First Flight awarded the James Johnson Award

Jeremiah Derby of First Flight awarded the James Johnson Trophy Award
State Champion Jeremiah Derby of First Flight High School was presented one of the annual James Johnson Award trophies as the best senior scholastic wrestler in eastern North Carolina in 2018 at his school’s wrestling recognition night. This award is named in honor of three time Greco-Roman national champion James Johnson. For the second consecutive year more than one award will be given. James Johnson awards will also be presented to Thomas Hudson of Dixon and Beau Studebaker of East Carteret. All three finished as an unbeaten state champion in a dominate fashion in their weight class this year.
Derby scored a perfect winning record in 41 matches this season as he won his second state championship. Jeremiah was a consistent winner as he won 149 of his 162 high school matches. He has placed for First Flight High School in every tournament the he competed in for his team. He was a four time conference and four time regional champion and a four time state placer (6th-1st-2nd-1st). He credits his decision to move up to 126 lbs. this season as a key in making this his most successful season. He emphasized that “Instead of worrying about cutting weight I was able to focus on getting stronger and better. I believe this helped to give me an edge this year and to dominate my competition.” After placing 3rd and then 5th in the prestigious mid-season WRAL tournament the two previous years “… winning this year on my birthday, (December 23rd) was a special memory this season.”
Derby recognizes and appreciates others who have enabled him to be successful as he stated that he “… can’t give enough thanks to my training partners Arien Leigh and Alex My Nguyen. They have been instrumental in pushing me to perform at my very best and be successful on the mat. My coaches Russell Kepler, Jay Hawes, and Taylor Misuna have prepared me every year to be successful on and off the mat as well. They have taught me what it means to tackle everything I face with determination and to be leader in everything I do.” Leigh and Nyugen are “… memorable teammates as training partners and are great friends. They are always there to support and encourage me to perform my best”. Arien’s focus and determination helps me focus and fulfill my goals. We have been friends since a very young age. Alex My knows how to break the tension in the room with … her corny jokes and positive outlook …”
Jeremiah’s father, David Derby got him started at a young age and has continued to encourage him through the years. Jeremiah flashed a wide smile and stated “It was a no brainer when I got old enough to wrestle I put on my first pair wrestling shoes.” He would like to pass along this passion for wrestling “… everyone to try wrestling because if everyone had the focus, determination, and skills a wrestler then the world would be a more productive place. Wrestling is a tough sport! It’s the toughest sport in my opinion but don’t let that cause you to give up.” Great wrestlers such as Kyle Snyder, Jordan Burroughs, Seth Gross, J’Den Cox, and many others were cited as being his inspiration. “They face opposition and react when things don’t go their way has always inspired me to be a better wrestler. Wrestling has taught me so many lessons in life. I’d say some of the most important lessons wrestling has taught me outside of discipline and determination, wrestling has taught me to enjoy life. Life is too short to spend it grieving a loss, wrestling has taught me how to take my failures, learn from them, and succeed.
Derby’s stellar athletic record combined with his 3.8 g.p.a. attracted the attention of college coaches. He has been accepted at and is committed to wrestling at U.N.C. to major in studio art. He shared that “I plan to get my bachelors and have a career as a coach and professional artist.” He also seeks to be “ … a four time NCAA Champion and qualify for the Olympics. I know people might be skeptical but I fully believe God will bless me with the strength and will to achieve my goals. I have the will, I just need to continue to work on the skill. I know the coaching staff and training partners at UNC have achieved the goals I’m trying to achieve so I know they will be able to provide me with the information to obtain the skill I’m looking for …”

Previous award winners were Carlos Martinez of First Flight (2017), Will Newbern of West Carteret (2017), Tanner Stamper-Smith (2016) of Havelock, Joe Mondragon (2015) of Ashley H.S., De’Andre Jones (2014) of New Bern, Alex Bray (2013) of Croatan, Jon Wiley (2012) of South Brunswick, Marquin Hill (2011) of Washington H.S., Branden Lietz (2010) of J.H. Rose, Mamour Camara (2009) of Louisburg, Anthony Rogers (2008) of Knightdale, Ngu Tran (2007) of C.B. Aycock, Victor Hojillo (2006) of West Carteret, Raymond Jordan (2004) of New Bern, Shaun Sheffield (2003) of Havelock, David Pelsang (2005), and Paris Dottery (2002) of White Oak.
The TakeDown Report promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina and sponsors the Award. This award is for the most successful wrestler in eastern North Carolina. Fleming noted, “It is more expensive to have multiple awards yet each undefeated state champion senior wrestler deserves to be recognized.” “It encourages the young men from the teams in the eastern part of the state with an opportunity to realize the hard work, determination and discipline it takes to be a top notch wrestler,” he added. The TakeDown Report has encouraging media coverage of wrestling in North Carolina for over 20 years. Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com.
James Johnson started wrestling in his junior year for D.H. Conley High School in Greenville with Milt Sherman as his coach. James was Coney’s 1st state champion in any sport in 1976. He was North Carolina’s 1st Eastern Junior National Champion in 1975 and North Carolina’s 1st Junior Nationals All-American with 3rd in 1976. He started four years at the University of Kentucky. He is now a sports consultant and coach for the Phoenix-based Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club. He also specializes in developing unique training for people of all fitness levels with a broad background in public speaking, sports training techniques, and health and fitness. He was inducted as an “Outstanding American” in the North Carolina State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 2012 he was a coach for the U.S.A. Olympic Greco-Roman team in London. James has also served as a Public Relations/ Community Speaker for Sunkist worldwide. He was on the USA National Wrestling team for 12 years, winning 3 National Championships, USA Athlete of the Year, AIM Christian Athlete of the Year, and Olympic Team Alternate. He has been an Ambassador for the United States Olympic Committee, USA wrestling and The Sunkist Kids Wrestling organization for over 20 years. More at http://jjchamp3x.com/.

June 27, 2018 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized