At the beginning of the year I thought that I would be too small at 184. My early season matches also prove that I can be more dominant this year than I was in previous seasons. It has seemed that every year since ninth grade I have gotten bigger, stronger, faster, more intelligent, and an all around better wrestler than the previous year.
I had a good year last year and won some big matches, but I obviously had a let down at the end of the year. Some would say, 'How can you come back after losing your final match that you were confident that you would win?' I do this by resetting and revaluating my goals. Last year's goal was to go undefeated and win a national title. I came as close to this goal as possible, only to fall short … but I got a taste of what it takes to get it done. I feel that this was one of the best things that could have happened to me. After my second place NCAA finish, I then went on to win University Nationals and I placed third at the University Worlds. I proved to myself that I am not just capable of being the best wrestler in the nation … but if I work hard, I can be the best in the world.
This year my goal for college is not just to be an undefeated national champion, but to completely dominate all of my opponents. After every match I wrestle I want my opponent to step off the mat broken and thinking in his head, 'Man, I got handled by a superior wrestler.'
Jake Herbert (Photo/Johnnie Johnson)It seems simple to me. If you are never out of position, you will never get scored on. If you are in perfect position when you attack, you will score every time. For some people when they are off the mat they get "rusty." Not me, I am very hungry to get back on the mat.
For those of you wondering, my return will be at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals. I am looking forward to helping the Northwestern Wildcats place very high at the meet. Our team is looking very strong and we had the best Midlands showing in our team's history. I have to give a shout out to our true freshman 125-pounder Brandon Precin, who is really tearing it up. I feel that he will make his impact heard at Big Ten's this year. Eric Metzler had a great Midlands at 133 after he lost in the semifinals. Some would say that his loss was controversial. Of course, we have to talk about Ryan Lang. He is my roommate, training partner, teacher, student, and most importantly, he is my friend. He went out and had a blast at the 44th annual event.
Mike Tamillow (197) has had just an outstanding year. On paper, he is the best wrestler on the team. Mike is undefeated and has not even give up a takedown this year. I remember when Mike was a freshman stud kicking butt even though he was still wet behind the ears. As John Velez used to say: Tamillow is a stud and he pushes Jake harder than anyone! If Mike Tamillow does not win his NCAA title right after I win mine this year, I will be very surprised. He is the best in the nation at his weight.
Dustin Fox should be right in there as well this season. He has all the talent, speed, and size needed to be in the NCAA finals. As the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals approach, we will begin to focus on our individual matches. Our team is ready to turn some heads and surprise some people this weekend. After we finish up at the Duals, I can look forward to Big Ten wrestling … where it's at! I will see all of you mat side.
Until next time, take care.
Jake Herbert
Entry 5 (12/13/06)
Entry 4 (11/29/06)
Entry 3 (11/16/06)
Entry 2 (11/1/06)
Entry 1 (10/17/06)
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