Nate Jackson (Photo/Ben Solomon)Nate Jackson, a two-time All-American who won more than 100 career matches for Indiana University, will join the Princeton wrestling staff next season as a volunteer assistant coach. Jackson replaces Nick Heflin, who recently made the U.S. National Team and will move on to the Oklahoma coaching staff.
"Within about a minute after Nate left his interview, we decided he was the one we wanted to join our staff," head coach Chris Ayres said. "He couldn't be a more ideal replacement in the fact that he wants to continue to compete, he wants to coach as a profession, and he can work with our big guys. There was a lot of synergy on his visit, as if he had already been here for some time. It just felt completely right. I'm certain when he gets here we are going to hit the ground running."
Jackson completed his stellar collegiate career with his second straight All-American honor at the 2017 NCAA Championships. A two-time captain for the Hoosiers, Jackson is a former Big Ten Wrestler of the Week honoree, as well as a former University Freestyle Nationals All-American.
"Foremost, I thank God for continuing to empower my journey," said Jackson, a former Illinois state champion. "Further, I am thankful to Chris Ayres and the administration at Princeton for the opportunity to coach at Princeton University. Princeton is one of the most storied academic institutions in the world. The athletes here are second to none in drive, talent and class. I relish the prospect of connecting with this distinguished group and being a positive element that adds to the success of the program."
Jackson brings a pair of connections to the Tiger wrestling family. He wrestled with former Tiger and 2015 EIWA finalist Chris Perez '16 last season while Perez did a graduate school year with the Hoosiers. Prior to that, Jackson earned a top honor within the program -- the Joe Dubuque Most Outstanding Wrestler (Dubuque, currently an associate head coach at Princeton, was a two-time NCAA champion with the Hoosiers).
"What attracted me most about the program is its trajectory," Jackson said. "The leadership and vision of Chris and his staff has enabled the program to reach great heights. The fun part is that things are only getting better. Moreover, this awesome staff will help me to get the most out of myself as I begin my coaching and international wrestling careers. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by driven individuals at a time when the program is gaining momentum. The future is bright in Princeton! I would also like to thank my wife, Raychelle, for her willingness to move across the nation to help student-athlete realize lofty goals."
Ayres and his staff is excited to see what Jackson can bring to this vastly improved program. Last season, Princeton sent a program-record seven wrestlers to the NCAA Championships, and it earned its highest finish at the EIWA Championships (third) since 1978. The Tigers have brought home an All-American in each of the last two seasons, including reigning Ivy League Rookie of the Year Matthew Kolodzik.
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