Jahwon AkuiAkui was also an All-State running back on the St. Rita football team. He rushed for over 5,000 yards in his high school career.
InterMat caught up with the 18-year-old Akui and talked to him about his decision to commit to Iowa Central, his love for wrestling and football, whether he plans on wrestling in Fargo later this month, and much more.
What went into your decision to commit to Iowa Central?
Akui: I thought it was a really good fit for me. I thought it would be a way for me to get ready for Division I. I had seen that a few good guys committed there. One of my best friends, Edwin Cooper, committed there, so I figured me and him could enjoy another two years together, wrestling and competing together.
Were you set on wrestling and playing football in college?
Akui: At first, I was kind of thinking about just playing football. But then I realized it would have been hard not to be able to wrestle. I wanted to wrestle, but I knew I wouldn't give up football. I knew Iowa Central was one of the only schools that would give me the opportunity to do both. I figured what better place to wrestle than Iowa Central.
Looking ahead, do you plan to specialize in one of the sports after your career at Iowa Central? Or do you plan to continue doing both?
Akui: I'm going to specialize in one of the sports. By going to a junior college, I felt that I would still have the time to do both. It also gives me time to make a decision on whether I want to wrestle or play football.
When do you start football practice at Iowa Central?
Akui: I start football Aug. 8.
Jahwon AkuiAkui: I considered Arizona State, Michigan State, and then mostly other junior colleges.
You mentioned your relationship with Edwin Cooper. How long have you known Cooper?
Akui: We've known each other for a while now. We've been on numerous (Team Illinois) teams together. We wrestled in the same conference. We hang out a lot on weekends. We actually took most of our recruiting visits together because we were looking at a lot of the same schools. He's just one of my good friends, one of my good wrestling buddies. It's going to be awesome to be able to room together and wrestle together.
What was his reaction when you told him that you were going to be joining him at Central?
Akui: I think he was excited. At first, I was the one talking about Iowa Central. I didn't know if he was going to go. Then I found out online that he committed. I knew there was a good chance that we could go to Iowa Central together. He was just glad about it. He knew we were going to be roommates the minute I said I was going to Iowa Central, so I think he was pretty excited about it. It's just a great opportunity for both of us.
You were a part of Team Illinois that recently won double titles at the Junior National Duals. What was that experience like for you?
Akui: It was awesome. I thought it was an amazing experience being able to be on the dual team and wrestle with a lot of the best wrestlers in the state of Illinois. We just wanted to go out there and prove a point. A lot of times we don't get to go out and compete against other states, so when we do get the chance to do it we take a lot of pride in it. At the Junior Duals, that's where most of the best kids go. We just wanted to go out there, compete, do our best, and win a few titles. Last year we won one. This year we won two. This year was a successful year for our state.
You were unable to compete at the state tournament this past season. What did that do to you?
Akui: It was tough. Not being able to compete was the big thing for me. It was just hard to not be able to go out there and defend my title. You hear people talking. I didn't get over it for a while. I didn't get over it until I got back on the mat at Folkstyle Nationals. After I won Folkstyle Nationals, I kind of put it behind me. It was just an experience I learned from. That's how I kind of took it.
Where do you plan to wrestle weight class-wise at Iowa Central?
Akui: I'm going to be a 174-pounder until maybe I get a little slimmer. Then maybe I can make 165. I plan on wrestling 174 for at least the two years at junior college.
Is it tough maintaining your ideal wrestling weight while also playing football?
Akui: Actually, when I was a sophomore making 171 pounds, I had problems getting back down to my wrestling weight after football season. Then as junior I still kind of struggled with it. This year as a senior I had to have the right diet and do the right things to get my weight down. It usually only takes a week or two to actually come down from about 190 to 171. I try to do it a healthy way where I have a lot of energy still. I don't think it's that big of a problem like it used to be when I was younger.
You were a running back in high school. Do you plan to stay at running back in college?
Akui: Yeah, I plan on being a tailback for Iowa Central. I don't play much defense.
Jahwon AkuiAkui: Football is an awesome sport altogether. I'm American ... so I think everybody loves football. Everybody goes to the games because they're exciting. I play video games like Madden and NCAA all the time. It has just been my dream since I was a little kid. With wrestling, it's a one-on-one sport. You can take out all your frustration and anger. You go out there by yourself and you can get the job done beating another guy. That's the difference between the two. Football is a team sport. You have to count on other players, whereas in wrestling you know you need to get the job done. Since I've been wrestling, I've learned the difference between the two. I've loved competing as an individual. You don't have to depend on a lot of people as a wrestler.
What are you most looking forward to in your first season at Iowa Central?
Akui: I'm looking forward to being able to go out there and wrestle against a lot of good guys. I plan on winning a national championship next year. I'm also excited to compete against Iowa in a dual next season. I think I might be a little more excited for that than the junior college national championship.
Do you plan on wrestling at Junior Nationals in Fargo later this month?
Akui: I'm still thinking about it. It's usually a last-minute thing for me. I'm trying to get my body healthy so that I'll be ready to compete in football for a starting spot. But if I'm completely healthy and healed up, then I'm going to go to Fargo and compete for Greco-Roman and freestyle titles.
You have had success in all three styles. Do you favor any of the styles?
Akui: I used to be a huge Greco guy. As I've gotten older, I haven't practiced Greco as much in the summer. I started having more success in folkstyle and freestyle. I kind of like freestyle a little bit better than any style.
Do you plan on wrestling freestyle and/or Greco-Roman while you're at Iowa Central?
Akui: Yeah, I think I'm going to try freestyle for a while. I'm going to see how my college season goes, and then maybe try to join one of the clubs in Iowa.
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