Top-Ranked Varner Stays Focused

AMES, Iowa ? For No. 1-ranked Iowa State 197-pound wrestler Jake Varner, stretches of the season could become monotonous as he eyes the NCAA Championships at the end of March. The two-time NCAA finalist at 184 pounds has gotten off to an excellent start half way through his junior campaign. He sits at 18-1 this season. Varner's superb match results indicate that there is little about this season that has caused him trouble, thus far.

ISU's Varner currently has 11 wins by fall this season and has been held to decisioning his opponents just twice. Five of Varner's pins came before the first period could end.

“Nothing has really changed,” Varner said. “I try to go out there and pin the guy. I've just been trying to score more points. I try to get at least a major (decision). The main thing is to score more points for the team.”

Coming into the 2008-09 season, Varner was the preseason favorite at 197 pounds, according to Intermat and W.I.N. Magazine, even though his previous All-America performances were down a weight. Varner briefly lost the top spot but was able to reclaim it with a convincing decision of Nebraska's Craig Brester, 10-3, at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals. Brester was ranked as the top 197-pounder at the time. The win helped the Cyclones edge the Huskers for third place, 20-19.

“I don't pay attention to rankings,” Varner said. “I go out there and wrestle the same; one match at a time. If you start thinking about that stuff, it's too much pressure. I just go out and wrestle.”

Fans will find it hard to notice a change in Varner's mentality during a match or before it begins.

“I stretch the same,” Varner said. “Then I get a good sweat going and do some sprints before every match. I just focus on going out there to wrestle and concentrate on wrestling in a determined fashion. I'm going out there to win.”

Hilton Coliseum has been home to Iowa State wrestling since 1971 and has held many special moments in ISU wrestling history. The atmosphere for home duals is a special treat for Varner, a native of Bakersfield, Calif.

“It's awesome,” Varner said. “I love it. You hear the fans yelling and screaming and it kind of gives you the butterflies. You want to get out there and win for your home crowd. Hilton offers a good atmosphere and a good opportunity to perform.”

The No. 3-ranked Cyclones return home this weekend for two duals. ISU first entertains 11th-ranked Oklahoma Friday at 7 p.m. and then plays host to No. 13 Oklahoma State Sunday at 1 p.m.

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Jake Varner

Jake Varner

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