New Jersey City University Men's Wrestling

Jason Estevez was named the second head coach in New Jersey City University men's wrestling program history prior to the 2023-24 season. He initially joined the Gothic Knights as the top assistant/recruiting coordinator in the summer of 2022. Estevez possesses a strong coaching background at many different levels and also brings his experience as a former high-level Division I wrestler to the Gothic Knights. Estevez initial hard work in recruiting paid off as several new student-athletes joined the program for the 2023-24 campaign. Additionally, in his first season with NJCU as an assistant in 2022-23, a pair of NJCU grapplers finished with double-digit victories and top-seven finishes at the NCAA Division III MidEast Regional Championships. Prior to joining the Gothic Knights, Estevez served as an assistant coach with his alma mater, Livingston High School from 2020-22. There he assisted in facilitating practices, developed specifically catered strategies to each of his individual wrestlers, focused on in-match coaching during official competitions and much more. Additionally, Estevez serves as a private coach, as well as the head coach and founder of the Este Built Wrestling Club, alongside his brother Justin, since August 2020. A 2019 graduate of the University at Buffalo with a degree in sociology, Estevez was a four-year varsity starter for the Bulls' Division I men's wrestling program. Serving as a two-year team captain, he wrestled at both 141 and 149 pounds during his time as a collegian. Some of his career highlights include the 2019 Black Knight Invitational Championship, qualifying for the 2015 World Team Trials, placing fifth at the 2015 FILA Junior Freestyle Championships to earn All-American honors, and more. A 2013 graduate of Livingston High School, Estevez put together one of the most respectable high school wrestling careers in school history. The 2013 Livingston High School Male Athlete of the Year, Estevez was also named Essex County Wrestler of the Year as a senior. He amassed 140 all-time victories and was a two-time All-American (2010-11 and 2011-12). He also placed third at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) State Championships as a junior (2011-12) and senior (2012-13). A four-time Essex County Champion, Estevez is a four-time finalist and two-time champion at both the Regional and District levels. A native of Livingston, N.J., Estevez currently resides as West Orange, N.J.  

Connor Burkert was appointed to the post of associate head men's wrestling coach at New Jersey City University prior to the 2023-24 season. He helps runs all day-to-day team operations, in conjunction with head coach Jason Estevez. In addition to his duties with the Gothic Knights, Burkert is the director of marketing for the New Jersey Institute for Pain Relief. Burkert earned his undergraduate degree in marketing from Hofstra University's Zarb School of Business in 2019. He was also a four-year member of the Pride's Division I men's wrestling program, along with his twin brother, Ryan. Prior to Hofstra, Burkert was a 2015 graduate of St. Peter's Prep, where he was a four-year standout varsity wrestler. He was a three-time NJSIAA state runner-up at 138 pounds, amassing 127 victories, and served as team captain his senior season. He is ranked as the second-best wrestling in SPP history. Originally from Cranford, N.J., Burkert resides in Jersey City.