PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WHEC) – “It’s kind of all about having fun and enjoying the process. It’s all about the process and the journey that you’re on,” said Pittsford wrestler Zach Gerby.

Going from football in the fall to wrestling in the winter isn’t for everyone. Zach Gerby was built for it from day one.

“I remember my dad had to sign a slip allowing me to play because I wasn’t old enough or big enough yet,” said Gerby.

A lot’s changed since Gerby got into sports around age five. He’s gonna wrestle in college – but is soaking in all the fun of his final high school season at Pittsford.

“I used to be so focused on wins and losses and my record and what shoes I was wearing and what I look like or whatever. But now it’s just enjoying my time learning to compete and enjoying my time with my teammates and just having fun,” said Gerby.

And Gerby’s had more fun than the average wrestler. When he’s not in a Section Five meet, he’s traveling all over the country going toe to toe with the best.

“You think you’re kind of a dog and you think you’re kind of a tough guy until you start seeing those top ranked guys in the country. You learn a lot about yourself, where you stand, not even physically, but mentally, you know, I can keep up with these guys, I can dig it out and I can wrestle with the best in the world and the best in the country,” said Gerby.

Of course, he’ll get a taste of that at the college level at RIT next season. And it’ll be a full circle moment – Tigers head coach Jason Bovenzi was Gerby’s first ever coach as a young kid at camp. 

“He’s kind of just the man I’ve gone to with personal issues and stuff like that and he’s kind of always a trustful head I can count on. It’s been that way since I was five and it’ll always be that way for the rest of my life so it’s pretty special,” said Gerby.

Gerby will major in engineering exploratory, as he still tries to figure out his exact passion in that field. But he gives credit to a teacher for helping him find that love.

“Mr. Banister over at Mendon, he’s been the man and he’s been the GOAT too and he’s one of the tech teachers,” said Gerby. (His class) definitely helped shape that final decision that I want to be an engineer.”

A man with a plan – congrats to Zach Gerby on being named our latest News10 NBC Scholar Athlete of the Week.