Nothing sums up Jordan Burroughs’ 2008-2009 wrestling campaign and national title more than a single word: domination.
He was named the most outstanding wrestler at several tournaments, was Big 12 Wrestler of the month in November and Big 12 Wrestler of the week on Dec. 8.
In addition to a national championship, Burroughs also won a Big 12 championship.
Burroughs can now add another award to his mantle. He is the Daily Nebraskan’s spring 2009 Male Athlete of the Semester.
His coach Mark Manning can’t think of anyone else more deserving.
“He’s a tremendous young man,” Manning said. “He’s very deserving of every honor and every accomplishment.”
Even when Burroughs achieves something great, he stays humble. After winning his championship match, he didn’t celebrate or scream. Instead, he stood up tall and had his hand raised.
After the match, Burroughs said he just thought of it as another win.
“It still hasn’t really set in – maybe sometime during the week,” Burroughs said.
An entire season came down to one match that separated him from wrestling history, and he reacted like it was just another win.
Burroughs’ non-celebration didn’t surprise Manning.
“He has respect for his opponents,” Manning said. “I think that shows a lot of maturity. It shows that he’s thinking that he can do bigger things.”
Manning said he has enjoyed getting to know Burroughs over the past three years. The two will work together again next year in Burroughs’ final season.
His coach isn’t worried about him becoming complacent.
“Jordan has a tremendous work ethic,” Manning said. “He’s worked really hard to develop himself. Everyone knows he’s a great athlete, but he’s really turned himself into a tremendous wrestler.”
But there’s something else that keeps his fire burning.
“He just goes really hard and has a tremendous will to win,” Manning said. “He just hates to lose.”
Manning said he’s enjoyed coaching Burroughs and watching him get better since the day he first came into the program.
“He’s got a great attitude about training,” Manning said. “It becomes a grind, but each day he’s ready to go to work. He understands that he needs to make the most of every day.”
When he first entered the program, Manning knew that Burroughs could be something special – but he said he sees that in a lot of wrestlers.
“I thought he had the ability to be a National Champion,” Manning said. “You know young guys – they have to step up to the work ethic that is demanded to be a champion.”
But Burroughs doesn’t just want to be a NCAA champion. He has his sights set higher.
Manning said all of his work is towards the goal of becoming a world champion.
“He wants to be the best in the world and an Olympic champion,” Manning said. “I don’t think there is a ceiling on how good he can get. I think he has to stay really dedicated to the task and stay hungry to keep making himself better.”
michaelschaefer@dailynebraskan.com
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