| Hello, My name is Jaxon Mackey. I am 16 and a Junior, and I am the October Athlete of the Month. I’ve seen lots of my fellow athletes get to do these, and I am honored to be among those athletes. My love for wrestling came from a young age. I started the sport around 5 or 6 years old. I started wrestling with Henderson Wrestling Club under coach Jeremy Richter. Wrestling was always what I wanted to do every day as a little kid. I’d be so excited to go to practice. I’d like to thank those coaches that were there for me at that young age who showed me the sport and made wrestling so fun for me. I now wrestle for LOG LV (Legends of Gold LV) under Coach Bill Sullivan and Coach David Mackey, along with the guidance and mentorship of Coach Billy Sullivan. With the help of my coaches and partners here, I have been able to become an All-American. |
| |
| I have also made it to the Nevada State Finals twice in two years, but falling just short of the goal of winning both times. Going to State as a Freshman was a true experience, taking in the fact that I had made it that far and was so close to the goal that I set for myself was surreal. Wrestling through the tournament and having fun while doing it was a blast. I had made it to the Finals. Going in there the first day I felt like no one knew who I was. The second day was very different for me. I felt like I had all eyes on me. All the people who had doubted my abilities were now watching me wrestle in the Finals. After losing that match, it was like the world changed. Reality came snapping back, and it made me realize what I’m capable of, if I put my mind to it. After that day, I was told that making it back next year would be even harder, and I was told that I wouldn’t see the same level of success that I had gotten as a Freshman. Although part of that statement was true, I did make it back, and I put it all out on the mat in front of everyone at State and fell just short again. My coaches consoled me after the loss and helped me keep my head up. I ended last season with a 47-6 record going in and out of Vegas to get matches. I Believe in myself and my abilities and to those who still doubt me, I’ll see you in the Finals. |
| |
| After State this year, wrestling didn’t stop. We rolled right into Freestyle and Greco with the ultimate goal of going to Fargo and getting my second All-American. Although I made it there and wrestled some of the best matches I ever had, I didn’t All-American. I went 5-2 in Freestyle and 3-2 in Greco and falling just a bit short. That tournament came with lots of challenges before the wrestling had even started. Between making weight and dealing with some bumps, bruises, and injuries; it was difficult, but was an extremely fun experience. |
| |
| I’d like to take a second and thank all my coaches who have been there for me and have my back; making sure that I’m ready to go and pushing me to be the best version of myself on and off the mat. Coaches Jeremy Richter, Bill Sullivan, Zach Hocker, David Mackey, Zach Brewer, and Matsy Lizares are a few, but I do appreciate everyone who has had an impact on me. I’d also like to take a second and thank my mom, Danille, for giving up her free time along with her sanity to be my biggest supporter. We have our moments, but she pushes me to be the best me I can possibly be. She’s at all my tournaments cheering me on and she’s the first one to tell me how good I did–Love you Mom. My last thank you goes to my sister, Morgan. She joined wrestling because I did it. but she quickly became one of my biggest role models. Seeing her go out and do big things, chasing down what she wants, motivates me and makes me want to do bigger and better things. If it wasn’t for the constant competition of battling with her along with her support, I don’t know if I’d be in the spot I am right now. I’ve had many ups and downs, as we all do, but wrestling has always been the one constant that I could count on. If you’re not a wrestler and are thinking about joining the sport–don’t hesitate, it’ll be the best decision you’ll make. |
| |
