December 19, 2024
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Record Newspapers Athlete of the Week: Jackson Allen, Yorkville Christian, wrestling, junior

By Joshua Welge
Yorkville Christian’s Jackson Allen defeats De La Salles’ Terrelle Jackson (not pictured) to win the 190 pound championship in the Plano Reaper Classic Wrestling meet at Plano High School on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024.

Yorkville Christian’s Jackson Allen defeats De La Salles’ Terrelle Jackson (not pictured) to win the 190 pound championship in the Plano Reaper Classic Wrestling meet at Plano High School on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Sean King for Shaw Local News Ne)

Name: Jackson Allen

School: Yorkville Christian, junior

Sport: Wrestling

Why he was selected: Allen won the 190-pound championship to help lead the Mustangs to the team championship of Plano’s Reaper Classic.

He was selected the Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Here is his interview with Sports Editor Joshua Welge.

What does winning that tournament mean both to you and your team?

Allen: It’s a great feeling knowing that we stepped up our game after being edged out by Dixon last year. Coming into the tournament, the coaching staff set a very much attainable goal for us all and we knew we could achieve it if we put in the work. Coming into the season I knew I had to make statements where I could and that’s exactly what I did last week and coming into this tournament I knew I would do it again.

How has the start to your season gone otherwise? Any other wins stand out?

Allen: The season has gone great so far, my record is 14-2. The first notable win I had was against Terrell Jackson of Chicago DeLaSalle at the Plano Reaper Classic.

How did you get started wrestling? What do you like about the sport?

Allen: I got my start through my brother Ryan. He was a football player and his coach told him it would be a good idea to wrestle in the offseason. My dad signed me up for a club when I was around 7 years old and I’ve fell in love with everything about the sport since. I love the team camaraderie, physical discipline and the mental toughness required to succeed.

How are you a better wrestler than a year ago at this time?

Allen: This season I’m significantly better because of the work I put in during the offseason. In addition, I have been focusing on being as aggressive as possible and stepping out onto the mat with supreme confidence no matter who the opponent is.

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Allen: My goal is to medal at state and place within the top five.

Finally, it being almost Christmas – what’s one of the best Christmas presents you remember receiving, and is there a gift you wouldn’t mind seeing under the tree this year?

Allen: One of my favorite gifts I’ve received was a range finder for caddying last Christmas. Something I’d like to receive is some new sunglasses by Ray-Ban. I’m also excited to see my family’s reactions to what I got them.