Your future, our focus
By David Dickey
Powell Tribune Sports Editor
Zeigler more than happy to add PHS standout's toughness, talent to Trapper Wrestling lineup
Mak Jones, a standout wrestler at Powell High School, quickly ended speculation as to where he will continue his wrestling career by signing a letter of intent with Northwest College Tuesday afternoon.
According to NWC head coach Jim Zeigler, gaining a proven, hard-nosed competitor like Jones on the first day of the signing period was a major step forward in building another high-caliber team. He also said signing a talented, hometown performer was a major bonus.
"It's big," Zeigler said of Jones' decision. "It's important to me, and it's important for our program. We've been waiting quite a while to sign a local wrestler, and we believe Mak will fit in really well with our program.
"He'll have the opportunity to be a major contributor for us, and how soon that happens will be dictated by his work ethic and how much effort he's willing to put into it."
Zeigler added that the last starter the Trappers had from Powell High School was Carson Kleinfeldt during the 2002-03 season.
Like Zeigler, PHS head coach Nate Urbach believes Jones made a solid choice in choosing the Trappers.
"This will be real good for him," Urbach said. "He's always liked the program here, and this will be a good stepping stone for him. Mak will be able to learn a lot here, and he'll be an even better wrestler by the time he's ready to make the move to a four-year school.
"(NWC) is a great fit for him, and they're getting a guy that has been a major contributor for us. From day one, Mak was the hardest worker in the (practice) room and in competition. He's also done a lot for us as far as USA Wrestling and helping those kids learn more about the sport. He's the type of guy you can't replace, and I believe he'll continue to have a lot of success on the the mat."
While at PHS, Jones competed in the 189-pound weight class all four years. As a freshman, he was one round away from placing in the state tournament. The following year, Jones battled his way to a third-place finish in the 3A state tournament against a field that was loaded with topnotch wrestlers.
As a junior, Jones enjoyed a break-through season in which he claimed his first state championship. He followed with a repeat title in 2008 and was a key leader for the Panthers as they captured the team title at the state tournament. During that event, Jones notched a 4-0 record that included victories by pins in his first three matches. During the championship bout, Jones cruised to an 8-0 major decision over Douglas wrestler Ryan Marshall. With that championship victory, Jones ended the season with an impressive 40-1 record.
Zeigler, who had several opportunities to watch Jones compete during his career, said one of the most impressive performances he witnessed was at the Pepsi Invitational in Riverton earlier this year.
"What really stood out was the way he wrestled in each match," Zeigler said. "He gave it everything he had from start to finish. He got after guys the whole time and never let up. He's just got a college-wrestling mentality, and that's one of the reasons he has a chance to be successful here.
"Mak is just a tough, hardnosed kid, and he's a key piece to the puzzle. We want to surround him with more guys who have that same toughness."
Jones, who is described as a quiet, no-nonsense competitor by his coaches, said he chose NWC over several schools. Dickinson State University, Chadron State College and the University of Wyoming, according to Jones, pursued him during the recruiting process. However, when it came to making the final decision as to where to go, NWC stood out above the rest.
"I've been around the program for a long time," said Jones, who was a regular at NWC's American Frontier Wrestling Camp during the early stages of his wrestling career. "I think this is a good place for me."
As for goals during his freshman season, Jones is setting the bar high. Not only does he plan to work his way into the starting lineup at 184, he also wants to be a national qualifier and champion by the end of the 2008-09 season.
"It'll be tough to do that, but that's what I'm shooting for," Jones said. "We'll just have to see how it works out."
Jones, who also has been a standout lineman for the Panther football team in recent years, is the son of Tom and Tammy Jones of Powell.
Brenton verbally commits to NWC:
In addition to Jones signing his letter of intent Tuesday, NWC also received a verbal commitment from Natrona County High School standout Briston Brenton this week.
Brenton is a two-time state champion. He earned that distinction in the 140-pound weight class in 2007-08 and at 130 as a junior. He was the state runner-up at 103 as a freshman, and finished third at 112 during his sophomore campaign.