Wiltz

Pioneer Press prep wrestler of the year: Anoka's Jake Deitchler
Jake Deitchler paved his road to three state championships with hard work and focus. He wants to follow that same route all the way to the Olympics.
By Tim Leighton
tleighton@pioneerpress.com
Article Last Updated: 03/04/2008 12:08:59 AM CST


Anoka senior Jake Deitchler, the Class AAA 152-pound state champion whou built a 111-match winning streak is the Pioneer Press wrestler of the year. (PIONEER PRESS: RICHARD MARSHALL)Anoka senior Jake Deitchler didn't have much time to savor his third state wrestling championship two days ago. On Sunday morning, he left for Bulgaria to compete in an international men's tournament he hopes will continue to pave the way toward his dream of participating in the Olympics.

"There is the temptation to celebrate my state title," said Deitchler, who won the Class AAA 152-pound title at the Xcel Energy Center on Saturday. "I have to treat my high school state championship as another step in the process of getting to the highest level."

The University of Minnesota recruit was selected the Pioneer Press wrestler of the year after finishing his senior season 38-0 and his high school career 208-38.

TOOLS OF HIS TRADE

Mind: So much of wrestling success is mental. "I have a belief in myself that I can and will be the best because I have out-trained everybody. I tell myself that no one will have an edge on me when we step on the mat," Deitchler said.

Heart: Coaches and competitors rave about Deitchler's training routine and his knack for "having a motor that doesn't quit." "I do get fatigued sometimes, but I work through it. That's what makes me stronger," he said.

Strength: His arms and hands are as strong as granite. "I'm not bulky or muscular. I'm not lifting weights to look good. I lift weights to improve myself as a wrestler," Deitchler said.

Legs and feet: Constant movement and foot speed allow Deitchler to be in position for


takedowns and scrambles. "When you are standing still, you aren't doing things to score," he said.
TRAVELING ABROAD

Deitchler was faced with a decision on his post-state tournament plans: compete in the U.S. senior nationals in Virginia, where he surely would be one of the favorites to win, or go to Bulgaria for an international tournament against Olympic-caliber competition. For Deitchler, the choice was easy. Wrestling abroad is a part of his planned path to the Olympics, perhaps as

Anoka senior wrestler Jake Deitchler was photographed at Anoka High School on Thursday February 21, 2008. Deitchler, who competes in the 152-pound class, is the Pioneer Press' wrestler of the year. He has developed a "cauliflower" left ear over the course of competition. (Richard Marshall, Pioneer Press) (Richard Marshall)early as 2012 in London. He traveled to Beijing last year and was eliminated after one match. "That really hurt," he said. "I felt like I let everyone down, including myself. I don't want to feel that way again. I am motivated to not feel that way again."
BY THE NUMBERS

0 Number of losses the past two seasons

6 Minnesota state titles and national titles won

5 Years in Anoka high school program

75 Career high school pins

111 Winning streak over the past three seasons

208 Career high school victories

HIS LEGACY

"I hope people know that I believed in myself. I want people to remember me for six minutes of dominance in a wrestling match."

__________________
"He quits, not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no choice.
" -Tom Brands 01/20/08