Central Michigan University Athletics
Jason Mester Profile
3/2/2004 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
March 2, 2004
Central Michigan University wrestler Jason Mester enters the 2003-04 season hoping to reach new heights after a stellar season in 2002-03.
Mester, a 141-pounder, became the 13th CMU wrestler to earn All-America honors last season with a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. He is also a two-time MAC Champion and a three-time national qualifier. But for all the honors he has won, Mester remains unsatisfied, with his goals of reach higher heights providing constant motivation heading into the new season. Mester reached the national semifinals last season before being defeated in double overtime by eventual winner Teyon Ware of Oklahoma.
"The only thing that with make me satisfied is winning a national title and helping the team to a top five finish at nationals," said Mester. "Being an All-American was always a goal of mine and achieving it last season was exciting, but I was so close to winning a national title. Winning a title is my main goal this season and what motivates me to improve everyday.
"When I came to CMU, it was right after we had two top ten finishes in a row, and it has always been my goal to help lead the team back to those heights. Unfortunately we have yet to match those finishes, but if we continue to work hard this season, the goal of being a top five team is attainable."
Mester came to CMU as a three-time state champion and an honorable mention high school All-American, but was not highly sought after as a Division I prospect. He caught the eye of CMU head coach Tom Borrelli at high school nationals after his senior season and decided to sign with the Chippewas.
"I went to a pretty small high school, so I didn't get a lot of attention, but coach Borrelli had confidence that I could be successful at the college level and I am glad he brought me in," said the Mineral Point, Wis. native. "One of the reasons I have had so much success in college is the coaching staff here. Coach Borrelli and coach Cunningham do a great job and have been a huge factor in my success."
Family is important to Mester and he is close to them, especial brother Josh, who is also a member of the squad.
"I have always gotten a lot of support from my family and they have played an important part of my success," said Mester. "Even though most my family live in Wisconsin, they try to come see me compete whenever possible and I really appreciate that. Having Josh as a part of the team is special because most wrestlers don't get the opportunity to have their brother on their team in college."
After Mester finishes his career this season, he is interest in the coaching side of wrestling and plans to pursue that option.
"Wrestling has played such an important part in my life, I would love to be able to stay involved with it after I am done," said Mester. "I want to be able to relay my knowledge of the sport to the younger wrestlers. I have enjoyed my career as a wrestler and hope to continue it as a coach."
