SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota — Former Martin County Red Bulls wrestler Jackson Roman has his sights set on winning an NCAA Division II wrestling national title.
Roman, a junior on the Augustana University wrestling team, is well aware of how difficult it will be to reach his goals after finishing runner-up at last year’s national tournament.
Roman reached the pinnacle of high school wrestling when he was a freshman at Martin County West, winning the Class AA state tournament.
He won state his freshman year, so I thought he would go on to win state, but despite all his hard work, he won another state his senior year.
“Winning the state championship as a freshman (in high school) showed me that I was capable enough to compete at a really high level.” Roman said. “The next few years were a bit of a disappointment, but my senior year I felt like I was on the pedestal again.”
Roman amassed an impressive 264 total wins in six years at the high school varsity level, finishing in the top six in each of the six seasons he qualified for the postseason tournament, earning medalist honors and earning All-State honors. won an individual award.
Roman fell in love with the sport as a child before reaching the high school level.
“I was interested in this job mainly because of my family.” Roman said. “When your uncles and grandpas wrestle and succeed, it inspires you to go out and try.”
After completing four years with the Red Bulls, a cooperative program between Martin County West High School and Fairmont High School, Roman chose to attend Augustana University to continue his wrestling and education. Like most college freshmen, the transition from high school isn’t always smooth, and the same is true for student-athletes.
“College is tough. It’s tough for anyone who wrestles. In high school, you might have five good wrestlers by the state playoffs, but just like in college, if you want to win each match, you have to hone your skills. You need to be proficient at all three levels.” Roman said.
In high school, Roman started wrestling at 106 pounds, but as he grew older and moved on to the college level, he moved up in weight classes.
When it comes to martial arts, many athletes inevitably face the challenge of losing weight for competition. This did not become an obstacle until Roman entered college.
He currently competes in the 125-pound weight class, which requires him to lose weight before each appearance.
The cut obviously didn’t help Roman, who finished his sophomore season at Augustana as a Division II national runner-up, earned Division II All-American honors, and proved to be an NWCA Scholar All-American. .
He posted an 18-6 overall record, including 13-4 in duals and 2-1 against Division I opponents. Roman also won the Jimmy Open, recording 56 takedowns, two major decisions, one technical fall, and five falls.
The Augustana Vikings’ wrestling season recently began, but there are several programs that Roman is looking forward to competing against.
“We’re excited to play against Wisconsin-Parkside, St. Cloud and Augsburg.” Roman said. “However, I’m really looking forward to Augsburg because some of my high school teammates are also competing for Augsburg.”
Of course, like any sport, Roman must constantly look for ways to improve his skills and find an edge. This offseason, Roman focused on honing his ability to wrestle opponents from the bottom.
When it comes to the new season, there’s really only one goal for Roman: win the Division II national championship. It’s a noble accomplishment, and he’s already pretty close to achieving it, but Roman realizes there’s more to his life than wrestling.
“Of course I want to go back to the national tournament and win.” Roman said. “That’s my goal. It would feel pretty great. I’d be disappointed if we didn’t win a title this season or make the All-American team, but even if we don’t, I know it’s going to feel pretty great.” Even if I don’t win, God and my family will support me and I will have to work even harder for more opportunities next year. ”