By Kyle Klingman, W.I.N. Staff Writer
What Troy Nickerson has already accomplished in one year at Cornell University is impressive. As a true freshman, the former five-time New York state champion almost did it all last season.
In his inaugural campaign with the Big Red, the 125-pound Nickerson lost only twice during the season and placed second at the NCAA tournament. Winning his first 18 matches, Nickerson lost for the first time to Oklahoma’s Sam Hazewinkel at the National Duals.
At the NCAA tournament, Nickerson was seeded fifth and upset top-ranked Nick Simmons of Michigan State in the semifinals. However, Nickerson was defeated soundly by Indiana’s Joe Dubuque in the finals, 8-3.
It’s that final loss that bothers Nickerson the most.
“I’m disappointed,” said Nickerson. “The ultimate goal is to go out there and win a national title. Last year it didn’t happen, but second place as a true freshman isn’t too shabby. I spent a lot of time going over tape and learning from my mistakes. There is a lot of stuff that I could have improved on and I focused on that this summer. I’ve been training hard and it has given me some motivation going into this year and makes me want that title even more.”
In what may be the deepest weight class in the country, Nickerson will be ranked first heading into his sophomore season. But the road back to the NCAA finals will be a difficult one. Despite the loss of Dubuque to graduation, the 125-pound weight is loaded with talent.
Back to challenge Nickerson for his top spot are four returning All-Americans, including Hazewinkel, a three-time third-place finisher, and Simmons, a three-time All-American. The weight class also includes Chad Mendes (Cal Poly) and Tanner Gardner (Stanford) who placed sixth and eight, respectively, last year. Mark Moos of Michigan and Gable Flores of Illinois will be dropping down to the weight class from 133 pounds as well.
“Nobody can ever count on him breezing to the finals but he has gotten a lot better since last year,” said Cornell head coach Rob Koll. “I don’t think there is anything he can’t do that he hasn’t done in order to get there. He’s worked all summer long.
“He’s got phenomenal training partners so he has a situation where he’s got Cory Cooperman, Travis Lee and Chris Fleeger who moved into Ithaca. He also has guys like (Cornell teammates) Adam Frey and Nick Bridge. There’s not a better room in the United States of America. Just by going with these guys everyday there is nobody near as tough as what he has to face in the wrestling room.”
(You can read the rest of this article by subscribing to W.I.N. Magazine. Either contact our office at 1-888-305-0606 or subscribe through this website by selecting the “Subscribe” section on our front page.)