Jonathan Cordon-Pinto is an admitted late bloomer to wrestling.

After the encouragement of his brother Oscar Cordon, he began wrestling in fifth grade. Since then, it has been a methodical process.

As a freshman, Cordon-Pinto had a busy season, accumulating an overall 19-17 record. He battled injuries last season and finished with an 8-6 record.

This season, Cordon-Pinto has a 7-4 record. It has been a steady climb that has helped build his composure along the way.

“I feel more confident and comfortable,” reflected the junior on a relatively young club. “In some ways I see myself as a leader, but I am still learning as well.

“At first, I really liked it and waited to keep going. But then I had some second thoughts in middle school. During my freshman year, I started to get back into it, and I felt good about everything.”

Cordon-Pinto has focused on one part of his game for success.

“I’m still working on my shots,” he said. “I know I have to shoot more and be more aggressive. I need to be more aggressive on my feet.”

Head coach Jon Reed is confident Cordon-Pinto can have a banner year.

“He has worked very hard,” said Reed, who is in his first year at the helm. “Jonathan will pass his win total from last year. He has looked good and confident. He began the year at 145, and we’ll move him down to 140. We believe he can flourish there.”

Cordon-Pinto has relished his relationship with Reed, who has been with him since he began the sport.

“Coach Reed was my first coach,” said Cordon-Pinto. “He has had a big influence over my career, and I was glad that he got the job. It makes things easier for me.

“Things seem to be better in the room with coach Reed.”

With his growing passion for wrestling, Cordon-Pinto’s true love is soccer, a sport he has played since first grade. He has seen how both sports can work together to help him achieve his wrestling goals this season.

“There are some similarities between the two, but they are different,” said Cordon-Pinto. “Soccer has helped me with conditioning.

“I want to do well at districts this years, and then see where I can go from there.”