Cody Goodwin interviews Nate Jesuroga

[hlstone]

The Special Forces won't be easy by any means. I was a wrestler back in Iowa way back when. I turned down a chance to wrestle for the United States and avoid Viet Nam, to be a para rescue diver. Good luck in your direction in life. Airborne!!!

You must share a good para rescue story, or two!

 

[Bones Malone]

Everybody is “wired” a bit different when it comes to pursuing something they are passionate about. Some like to have a different sport or hobby each season. Others want to focus on a single hobby or sport and once they become proficient and possibly bored with it, they move on to the next new thing. It seems he has found his next passion & is ready to pursue his dream of becoming a Navy Seal.

Young kids put a tremendous amount of pressure on themselves, let alone those felt from others. It must have been painful letting family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans, etc know he was done with wrestling. So, I give him huge props for having the self awareness & courage to make such a difficult decision.

He’s found his next, new thing and I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s allowed the Hawks plenty of time to move in another direction.

Best of luck to Nate! I have no doubt he will do well in the Navy. I hope his passion for wrestling continues as a lifelong fan of the Hawkeyes. Go Nate!

 

[vhsalum]

Seems he was able to quit rather easily, wasn't he? There are a LOT of factors that come into burning out in this sport. Some kids actually agree to their dad using a cattle prod to make sure they get off bottom.

I have no inside info, but I can see well enough that there arecertain people on here with an agenda against T.J. and some against Mr. Jesuroga as well. The article, which is what this topic is about, said otherwise...

I've got a few sources myself. And I'll believe them. Because most are Sebolt fans. Personally, I'm a fan of his intensity, the way he runs a practice and that he does seem to genuinely care about the kids. He talks about living a good life, making good decisions. I'm on board with that.

But there is no way to fluff the fact that he puts a high priority on winning. He does some extra stuff that, under the guise of improvement and success, aren't THAT bad - but in a sport like wrestling - its stupid, silly and just short-sighted. Much in the same way his father pushed him, he went too far, too often. TJ is in the same vain. And his expectations will be met, or you can kick rocks.

"quit easily" is a weird way to put it. I know it wasn't easy, and I know the people around Nate didn't make it easy on him to quit. But, thankfully, its 2023 and no one could or did force him to continue wrestling.

TJ has admitted he's gotten better in terms of how hard he drives kids, and I hope that continues. I hope seeing what happened to Jesuroga is wake up call. He's been great for the state of Iowa, is producing elite talent and has really driven the rest of the state to get better as well.