Jake Eckenrod '15 Recruiting Profile

I have a lot of wrestling experience, starting the sport at age six.  Throughout high school, I have always been excellent on my feet because of my quickness, aggression, and my ability to explode on my shots.  I have great hips and am hard to take down because of my good shot defense.  I work well with space, but I can also work when people tie me up.

On the mat, I am very explosive from bottom, strong on top, and continually improving.  During my matches, no matter what the score is or how tired I get, I still go for moves and continually try and score points.

My freshman year I qualified for the state tournament at 126 lbs, winning one match and eventually losing to two wrestlers who are very successful at the collegiate level now.  Both my sophomore and junior years were devastating because right before regionals my sophomore year I suffered an injury and had to stop wrestling.  My junior year was perhaps worse because I was having a very successful season and got mononucleosis right after regionals.  Not finishing those two years and missing the off-season wrestling motivated me to do well my senior year.  I ended up with a record of 30-4.  Two losses at 160 lbs and 152 lbs (both state placers).  The other losses were against a 3rd place finisher in 3A and an eventual three time state champ. I ended up taking third place at 145 lbs at the IHSA state tournament.  I wish I could have been at the top of the podium, however I cannot be discouraged over battling back and winning every match after the loss in order to get the bronze.

I work my hardest everyday, and dedicate myself to the sport (working out two to three times a day), which is why I had success in high school.  My coaches always have considered me a leader even when I was a freshman.  I believe if one is not practicing to win, then what is the point of even practicing at all? 

In college, I want the highest level of success that is possible.  I believe that in a college setting my skill level will peak because I will be around many great wrestlers with different styles.  I am dedicated and work hard on and off the mat.  In the classroom I have maintained over a 4.0 throughout high school and I am a member of National Honor Society.  I believe that a balance of hard work on and off the mat is what it takes to not only be a great wrestler, but a well-respected, disciplined young man.  I am hoping to take my characteristics and abilities over with me to the next level in order to become a national champion.