Indiana University Athletics
Jackson Looks to Repeat at Keystone Classic
11/12/2015 2:45:00 PM | Wrestling
The 2014 Keystone Classic Champion has sights set on similar success next weekend
By: Will DeWitt | Twitter
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Nate Jackson has a sour taste in his mouth.
The junior lost in a hard fought final match of the EMU Open on Nov. 7, falling to Myles Martin of Ohio State by a close 7-5 decision.
Even though he lost, Jackson said that he feels like he wrestled pretty well throughout the tournament.
"I have some minor things I need to work on," Jackson said. "I'm working on getting my mind right for this next meet, but conditioning wise and with my set-ups, everything was clicking."
Indiana's next tournament, the Keystone Classic, is a special one to Jackson. It's where he made his debut as a freshman, and it's where he won his first-ever tournament last year during his sophomore campaign.
"I personally really like this tournament," he said. "There's a lot of cool scenery out there in Pennsylvania that I enjoy during the long bus ride over. They usually have a big crowd, and I always perform well under the lights."
Although winning last year doesn't give him any added motivation, Jackson is a wrestler who goes out and tries his best no matter the situation.
Head coach Duane Goldman said that Jackson is a wrestler that is very receptive to his coaching, and is always looking to improve in a multitude of ways.
"He just wants to go out there and wrestle," Goldman said. "Jackson aspires to perform well and he has high expectations for himself, so he's going to give it all he's got to get the win."
Setting high expectations, Jackson, who received the Hoosiers' Brian Dolph Award for the most improved wrestler last season, is hoping to continue to refine his skills and take his game to the next level. After a season in which he made the NCAA Wrestling Championships, Jackson is aspiring for a more successful junior season.
He has set his goal for the season and that is to win a national championship.
"Becoming an All-American would be great," he said. "However, winning a national championship is my goal, I'm preparing everyday, harder than anyone in the country. As long as I know I'm giving it my best, and putting my best foot forward, I won't have any regrets at the end of the year."
Goldman believes that Jackson can accomplish his goal of being a national champion, but understands that there are a lot of steps that still lie in front of him.
"He needs to continue to establish himself," Goldman said. "Everything is a day-to-day process, but he's every opportunity and quality to achieve his goals."
A solid step toward reaching his goal would be to repeat at the Keystone Classic on Nov. 22.
"I definitely don't want to disappoint," Jackson said. "I'm hoping to follow up and win the tournament again this year."
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Nate Jackson has a sour taste in his mouth.
The junior lost in a hard fought final match of the EMU Open on Nov. 7, falling to Myles Martin of Ohio State by a close 7-5 decision.
Even though he lost, Jackson said that he feels like he wrestled pretty well throughout the tournament.
"I have some minor things I need to work on," Jackson said. "I'm working on getting my mind right for this next meet, but conditioning wise and with my set-ups, everything was clicking."
Indiana's next tournament, the Keystone Classic, is a special one to Jackson. It's where he made his debut as a freshman, and it's where he won his first-ever tournament last year during his sophomore campaign.
"I personally really like this tournament," he said. "There's a lot of cool scenery out there in Pennsylvania that I enjoy during the long bus ride over. They usually have a big crowd, and I always perform well under the lights."
Although winning last year doesn't give him any added motivation, Jackson is a wrestler who goes out and tries his best no matter the situation.
Head coach Duane Goldman said that Jackson is a wrestler that is very receptive to his coaching, and is always looking to improve in a multitude of ways.
"He just wants to go out there and wrestle," Goldman said. "Jackson aspires to perform well and he has high expectations for himself, so he's going to give it all he's got to get the win."
Setting high expectations, Jackson, who received the Hoosiers' Brian Dolph Award for the most improved wrestler last season, is hoping to continue to refine his skills and take his game to the next level. After a season in which he made the NCAA Wrestling Championships, Jackson is aspiring for a more successful junior season.
He has set his goal for the season and that is to win a national championship.
"Becoming an All-American would be great," he said. "However, winning a national championship is my goal, I'm preparing everyday, harder than anyone in the country. As long as I know I'm giving it my best, and putting my best foot forward, I won't have any regrets at the end of the year."
Goldman believes that Jackson can accomplish his goal of being a national champion, but understands that there are a lot of steps that still lie in front of him.
"He needs to continue to establish himself," Goldman said. "Everything is a day-to-day process, but he's every opportunity and quality to achieve his goals."
A solid step toward reaching his goal would be to repeat at the Keystone Classic on Nov. 22.
"I definitely don't want to disappoint," Jackson said. "I'm hoping to follow up and win the tournament again this year."
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