Janssen bounces friend out of the tourney

PHILADELPHIA - They've wrestled side-by-side pulling for the same goal, but this time they were head-to-head with one leaving without achieving one final college wrestling goal.

Aaron Janssen of Iowa and Justin Kerber of Cornell University were teammates in high school, helping lead Emmetsburg/Armstrong-Ringsted to three traditional state championships and a dual state title in Class 2A from 2003 through 2006.

Friday, they faced off in an elimination match at 165 pounds in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. The Hawkeye won the battle of former E-Hawks, scoring two takedowns in a 6-2 victory advance to the round of 12.

“I've never heard of a tough win to swallow,” Janssen said. “This is going to be it.”

Janssen said he and Kerber have been friends since the first grade. Kerber's father, Jeff, a former Iowa Hawkeye wrestler, started him in the sport. They still have a strong relationship despite being in different time zones and having their own college responsibilities.

“I went to Florida with him last year after school,” Janssen said. “We stay in touch, but it's hard. We talk at least once a month, if not more. In the off-season, we talk more.”

There were no words before the match. A simple acknowledgment, then it was all business.

“We both just gave each other a nod,” Janssen said. “When we step on the mat we're enemies, but off the mat, to me he's been one of my best buddies.”

Kerber ended his collegiate career as a three-time NCAA qualifier and posted a 32-6 record this year.

Janssen, in his first NCAA event, remained in the tournament at the expense of his friend.

“It just sucks, because we've both had the same dreams and the same aspirations,” Janssen said.