Jackson Olson '26 Recruiting Profile

My name is Jackson Olson, and I am currently a junior at Hononegah High School in Roscoe, Illinois. I have been fortunate to cultivate my athletic talents across various sports, but my passion for wrestling has driven me to excel and dedicate myself fully to this discipline. Throughout my journey, I have discovered not only the thrill of competition but also the personal growth and resilience that wrestling fosters.

In my freshman year, I secured seventh place at the Fresh/Soph State Competition, and in my sophomore year, I achieved first place in the same event. Now, as a junior, I am ranked between second and fourth in the 120-pound weight class in 3A and have recently won the NIC-10 Conference and Regional Championships. I am preparing for sectionals this weekend with the goal of achieving my 100th varsity win at state this year. A notable highlight of my season was defeating the returning 120-pound Illinois state champion in 1A, showcasing my competitive spirit and determination. I look forward to competing at state this year.

The Hononegah wrestling program, under the guidance of Coach Tyler DeMoss, has provided me with an exceptional environment to hone my skills. Our team is filled with talented individuals, including outstanding seniors ranked among the top 5 in the state, such as T.J. Silva, Max Haskins, Connor Diemel, and Kurt Smith. I am proud to be surrounded by such remarkable teammates, and together, we aim to make a significant impact at the upcoming state competition, demonstrating the capabilities of our small-town public school against larger Chicago  schools.

My journey in wrestling has not only enhanced my athletic capabilities but has also instilled in me essential values such as discipline, perseverance, and leadership. In addition to my commitment to the sport, I actively contribute to the community through volunteer work. Inspired by my sister, I have been involved with a local organization that organizes food pantry drives, and I participated in a mission trip to El Salvador. There, I helped improve cooking environments for families by installing eco-stoves, emphasizing selflessness and community engagement.

I am also passionate about mentoring young wrestlers, sharing my knowledge, and inspiring the next generation. My involvement in youth wrestling programs and refereeing tournaments through the Illinois Referees Association has allowed me to develop my leadership skills further while nurturing a love for the sport in others.

Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, aiming to combine my fervor for sports with my ambition in business. I envision a career in sports management or even establishing my own sports-related enterprise. The discipline and skills I have cultivated as an athlete, alongside my experiences in volunteering and mentorship, have equipped me for the challenges and opportunities in the business world. An MBA will provide me with the necessary knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact in the sports industry and beyond.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I am eager to explore the opportunities that lie ahead and remain dedicated to excelling in wrestling, community service, and my future academic pursuits. Wrestling has been my crucible, and I am ready to forge a path that merges my athletic passion with my aspirations in business and leadership.