Dec. 23, 2005: Deseret Morning News

Wrestler Doesn't Forget Team as He Eyes an Individual Title
by Michael Black

Jordan Lundstrom has a tough task. Succeed individually while in a team aspect. It is a problem that many wrestlers face.

The Jordan Beetdiggers will not win a state title in wrestling this year. It is a simple fact. That is not a knock on the program — they are an improving squad — they just do not have the depth of wrestlers necessary to compete at the team level for a championship.

Lundstrom, on the other hand, may win an individual state title. So how does he cope with the pressures of being the best while his teammates may struggle?

"It really isn't that difficult," Lundstrom said. "It's still a lot of fun to be around your teammates. It's not like everyone else isn't trying. They are still trying to do their best, and as long as we are all working hard and giving our best it is satisfying to be a part of the team."

Lundstrom competes at the 215-pound classification where he finished second last season. He is the top-ranked wrestler this season, and expects only the best from himself.

"I really just want to wrestle really hard, and of course I want to take state," he said.

His coach, Christian Babinski, said that although he has a really young team — the 'Diggers have up to five or six freshman at the varsity level — Lundstrom is a great leader on the squad, and his traits rub off on the others.

"He just has that tenacious attitude. He is a hard-nosed, athletic kid that really gets after it," said Babinski. "He has a very good work ethic and he never lets up in practice or in a match. The others see him working so hard and it affects them."

Besides his attitude, one thing that Lundstrom said is a key to his success is his physical approach.

"My coaches have helped me a ton on my technique, but my real strength is my conditioning. I think I will have more in the tank. My attitude out there is, 'Get it into the third (round of a three-round match).'"

Lundstrom said there have already been a couple times when he has trailed entering the third period only to have his superior fitness allow him to come back and take the match.

Besides wrestling, Lundstrom was a standout on the football field, and said that he enjoys all sports. In the spring, he competes on the track team in all the throwing events though, he said, it is more to be out doing something and competing than the thought of winning.

School, family and friends all play a big role in Lundstrom's life. His favorite class is law enforcement, and although uncertain where, he said that college is definitely in his future.

Until then, Lundstrom continues improving himself and his team on the mats. Even if it is only an individual title that is in the future for him, Lundstrom is still a team player.

"I try to keep everyone motivated and working hard," he said. "I know I have to set the example, but I also know that if someone is slacking, it is my job to call them out and make sure they are doing everything possible."