Striving for Gold: The NMU-NTS Wrestling Journey of Dedication and Faith - Student Equity and Engagement Center

Striving for Gold: The NMU-NTS Wrestling Journey of Dedication and Faith

Since high school, my ultimate goal as a wrestler has been to make the United States World Team and compete on the biggest stages—World Championships and the Olympics. The expectations on me have always been high, from both myself and those around me. Yet, when I first arrived at Northern Michigan University (NMU), this goal remained unachieved.

But I knew that with dedication, hard work, and the support of my team, it was something I could accomplish.

I moved to Marquette in May of 2021, joining the NMU-NTS program, which was an entirely new experience. The program was different from a typical NCAA setup. As part of this unique Greco-Roman wrestling team, we didn’t compete in the NCAA or sanctioned events; instead, our eyes were always set on Olympic and World Championship gold.

With less funding than larger programs, the competition opportunities were slimmer, and we often had to seek training abroad in Europe. It was a challenge, but one that ignited a fierce drive within us all.The team’s environment made a massive impact on me. We lived together on a dorm floor, which created a sense of family and accountability that was crucial for our development. It wasn’t always easy—there were moments of chaos—but it forged bonds that helped me push through tough times, like the early morning practices and the intense wrestling sessions.

We spent countless hours together, not just training, but also playing soccer, running 3-mile courses in the blizzards, or even enjoying activities like cliff jumping and longboarding during the summer. Those days were filled with challenges and rewards, and I look back on them as some of the best times of my life.

Despite the camaraderie and the hard work, I faced setbacks on my journey. One of the biggest challenges came after my disappointing finish at Nationals early in my college career. But instead of feeling defeated, that loss motivated me to push harder.

The following months leading up to the World Trials were filled with intense training and dedication, ultimately earning me a spot on the U.S. National Team. Though my experience in Bulgaria didn’t go as I’d hoped, I wasn’t about to give up.

It was during this time that my faith began to play a bigger role in my life. After a humbling loss to a 42-year-old wrestler that left me off the national team, I turned to my faith to find strength and perspective. With support from my teammates, coaches, and new experiences, I was able to regain focus.

Training overseas in places like Armenia and Denmark, where wrestling is a national obsession, taught me more than just technique—it gave me a deep respect for the global wrestling community. Yet, despite the intense training with world champions, I still felt the weight of the financial challenges the program faced.

Through the generosity of sponsors like Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club in my early years, I was able to travel abroad and compete in countries like Hungary, Croatia, Germany, and Albania—experiences that helped me grow as a wrestler and a person. But with the loss of funding, the program’s future seemed uncertain. The lack of financial support made it difficult for young athletes to gain the overseas experience necessary to compete at the highest level.

Many of my teammates struggled to make ends meet, juggling jobs while trying to pursue their dreams of becoming Olympic and World Champions. Despite this, the team continued to work hard, with no complaints and a shared belief in the mission.

As I reflect on my journey, it’s clear that the highs and lows—training in foreign countries,

moments of failure, and personal growth—have shaped me into the athlete and person I amtoday. My journey has been long and challenging, but I’ve finally reached my goal of competing in the Olympics. Still, I know there’s more to come, and I’m setting new goals to continue reaching higher.

The NMU-NTS program has not just helped me become a better wrestler; it has also made me a part of a tight-knit family that continues to push each other to be the best version of ourselves. Despite all the financial struggles, the NMU-NTS team embodies the essence of hard work, faith, and perseverance.

I hope that, with time, the program will receive the funding it needs to support the younger generation of wrestlers coming through the ranks. If not, we’ll continue to train, fight, and represent NMU, the Upper Peninsula, and the United States, showing the world that greatness can come from the most unexpected places.

My name is Payton Jacobson. I am on the Greco-Roman Wrestling team here at Northern. I’m a senior, majoring in Sports Science. I’m from Elkhorn, Wisconsin.