“There’s such a big age disparity that I’m kind of like a second father,” Jesse said. “I help him with wrestling when I can when I’m home.”

“He’s a tremendous role model,” Don said. “I think Cory looks up and sees that there are a lot of negative role models out there—whether its through the media or in high school—and he looks at his brother and he says, ‘Wow. You know you can kind of do all the right kinds of things, and can have a lot of success and notoriety.’”

While Harvard coach Jay Weiss eagerly awaits the possible arrival of another legendary Long Islander, he knows that what Jesse has done here has certainly been incredible for his own program—even if it’s not quite up to snuff for Shoreham, N.Y.

“He sets the bar very high,” Weiss said. “[It’s] probably too high for guys to aspire to in terms of work ethic.”

Even people a few decades and major world wars removed from the Crimson program realize that what Jesse has done has made it a difficult act to follow up on.

“I think it’s definitely going to help Harvard,” said John Harkness ’38—the original Crimson national champion. “Obviously Harvard’s doing pretty well now...with some of the other guys in the tournament.”

Even with the loss of Jantzen, the Crimson certainly won’t have to wait another 66 years for national glory to return to 02138. It may just have to wait another seven—that’s when Cory will be a senior.

—Staff writer Evan R. Johnson can be reached at erjohns@fas.harvard.edu.