Varner’s Intentions Are Golden

By: Iowa State

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State’s Jake Varner has had a “Midas touch” in 2009. The reigning NCAA 197-pound champion has also been victorious at U.S. Senior Nationals and the World Team Trials. Varner has proven that he is not only the top collegiate competitor at his weight, but also the best on the senior level throughout the nation.

Varner has seen hard work pay off. While the mythical Midas became displeased with his ability, Varner has enjoyed seeing the dividends.

“I guess it’s been a good year,” Varner said. “I accomplished one of my goals, which was winning the NCAA Championships, after coming up short the last couple of years. It felt really good. Also, going out and winning in Vegas at Senior Nationals was awesome.”

Not a single NCAA champion from this past season’s NCAA Championships in St. Louis, Mo. may have had a sweeter victory than the Bakersfield, Calif. native at 197 pounds. Varner had suffered setbacks in the NCAA finals at 184 pounds in both his freshman and sophomore years. The losses were turned to fuel for Varner’s successful junior campaign.

“The only way it affected me is that it made me want to train harder,” Varner said. “It was more motivation. It made me want to win more. Like I’ve always said, I hate losing. So I figure out a way not to lose. I figured that out this last year and came out on top.”

For a three-time NCAA finalist, improvement may have to be measured in centimeters. However, Varner is always keeping track, whether it be in collegiate or freestyle wrestling competition.

“I think the highest I had placed (at U.S. Senior Nationals) before that was seventh,” Varner said. “Winning the World Team Trials though; that is something that is still sinking in, but it gave me something to look forward to by getting to wrestle at the World Wrestling Championships.”

Varner’s ascent to the top of the national freestyle wrestling circuit was confirmed with an outstanding performance at U.S. Senior Nationals April 10. Varner shut out all competition 27-0 on his way to the 96-kg (211.5-pound) title.

By winning the U.S. Senior Nationals, Varner assured himself the No. 1 seed at the World Team Trials in Council Bluffs, Iowa May 30. All other wrestlers in the 96-kg bracket competed in a challenge tournament for the right to wrestle Varner in the finals. Varner’s challenger was 2008 Olympian Andy Hrovat. Varner edged the freestyle veteran in consecutive rounds, winning by decision, 0-1, 3-0, 1-0 and then by decision 0-1, 2-0, 1-0 to clinch the victory.

Varner will represent the United States at the World Wrestling Championships in Herning, Denmark Sept. 21-23. The Cyclone has only wrestled overseas once before but that hasn’t concerned him in his preparations for his senior-level debut on the international scene.

“I’m training all summer,” Varner said. “I get good experience wrestling with coach Jackson and Cael (Sanderson). Those two are some of the best in the world. They have helped me tremendously.”

Head wrestling coach Kevin Jackson has made an impact with Varner in his short time in Ames so far this summer. Jackson, a three-time world champion and gold medalist at the 1992 Olympic Games, has international experience to offer and Varner is willing to accept his new coach’s advice.

“It’s awesome,” Varner said. “I’ve been wrestling with him the past couple of days. I’ve learned a lot already from him; just real technical things. The technique that he can show me explains a lot and that has been awesome.”

Jackson recently announced two additions to his Iowa State coaching staff in former Cyclone NCAA champion and assistant coach Chris Bono and former Columbia assistant Yero Washington. Varner feels the hires were what ISU needs to succeed.

“They are going to get this team over the hump and we’ll be ready to compete for that national championship,” Varner said. “I think these coaches will help us do that. Each of them is a great guy, great wrestler and great coach. They are going to bring what we need to get there.”

With his busy summer of freestyle wrestling continuing into the early fall, Varner still hasn’t overlooked making plans for his final season for Cyclone wrestling.

“Next year, the goals are the same,” Varner said. “Even though I’ve already won it once, my goal is to go out and win again. I’m going to work at dominating everybody. I try to have that mindset every year because it is an awesome feeling winning a NCAA title.”