Westfall making most of his final opportunity

Jordan Westfall had one last shot, and he has been on target.

The Coe College senior experienced success in his first three seasons, but never cracked the lineup. In his final campaign, Westfall has seized the chance to contribute to the Kohawks' starting wrestling lineup.

Westfall's dedication the last year has earned him a spot in the 133-pound bracket of the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships on Friday and Saturday at La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wis. Competition begins Friday at 11 a.m.

In his only postseason appearance, 10th-ranked Westfall (22-8) captured the Iowa Conference Championships title, allowing him to conclude his career in the biggest event of the season.

"It's the point you want to get to, being my senior year, it's more special," said Westfall, who opens with Elmhurst's Dalton Bullard. "I have the understanding that my career's coming to an end so I want to go out and compete the best I can."

At one time, Westfall did not think he would reach this moment. He toiled in the room, but watched other Kohawks represent the team at his weight.  The chance has been a long time coming, but seems like the last four years were at light speed.

"It's come so fast," Westfall said Wednesday before practice at Eby Fieldhouse. "You don't want to take anything for granted, because one minute it seems so distant and right now it's only two days away."

Westfall came to the Coe program with strong credentials, including four state medals as a prep and placing as high as third for Highland. The talent has been there and additional work has helped elevate him to new heights. Coe Coach John Oostendorp said he was "extremely happy" for Westfall, one of seven Kohawk wrestlers who will compete in the NCAA meet.

"He's earned it," Oostendorp said. "It put him at a level where he can compete with anyone in the nation. He has that confidence going into the national tournament."

The wheels were in motion long before the season started. Actually, the plans began to roll at the end of last season when Westfall wrestled behind Chris LeClere at 141. Westfall decided to cut down to 133 for the first time since he was a freshman. He started monitoring his training and nutrition as early as August. It was tough but he was steadfast, working out two and three times a day while trimming more than 20 pounds.

"Toward the end of last year I was watching a bunch of guys that I competed with and guys in my class have success," Westfall said. "I decided I wanted to make my way in the lineup."

The time he didn't control his drop to 133, eventually helped him. After the holiday break, Westfall had weight trouble for a dual against Air Force, which resulted in an "embarrassing" defeat. With two months remaining, he didn't want to have any regrets.

"I talked to (former Coe two-time NCAA champion and assistant coach Clayton) Rush and said I don't want to lose, especially like that anymore," Westfall said. "I want to leave it all out there."

The effort doesn't surprise Oostendorp. He couldn't recall one day when Westfall was physically unable to take the mat during his college career. Westfall might be stronger mentally, which helped in training and making 133.

"He's a strong-minded kid," Oostendorp said. "His mind allows him to push his body and the commitment this year has started to lead to his success."

The sport's grind almost got the better of Westfall as he added to his academic workload when he entertained thoughts of quitting his sophomore year. The business and public relations double-major and writing minor decided to embrace the challenges of both sport and studies.

The day barely has enough hours for Westfall to squeeze in everything. The busier the better, according to Westfall.

"I think it has kind of helped me this last year," Westfall said. "I'm taking an overload this last year. I'm working out at six in the morning, have a full day of class and then I'm getting out of practice at six at night. It's real disciplined right now."

The success on the mat is a product of the work off it. Westfall has consistently battled some of the tougher wrestlers in his division, scoring two tight victories over Wartburg's seventh-ranked Tommy Mirocha and avenging a loss to Cornell's ninth-ranked Tigue Snider in the conference semifinals.

Westfall is at his best when he is loose and opens up his offensive arsenal in competition. Oostendorp hopes to see more of that this weekend.

"He's pretty athletic," Oostendorp said. "That's why it's important for him to create those scrambles for him finishing on top."

The unassuming Westfall will also need to tap a more demonstrative demeanor in his final event. His personality during matches has changed a bit this season.

"That's the one thing, to get that extra gear out of him," Oostendorp said. "That's what we're starting to see glimpses of that more and more his senior year. He's got emotion in his wrestling."

Confidence helps as well, and Westfall has had plenty the last two months. It increased as he added wins.

"There's a difference between thinking and believing," Oostendorp said. "Right now, I think he believes."

Westfall has adopted the ideas coaches have shared about his ability. The plan is to translate it into tangible results - Westfall's last as a college competitor.

"Coach has been on me that I've had the potential the whole time. I just have to bring it out and try to get it out of me this last week," Westfall said. "The second half of the year, I've been doing everything right, working hard and I just feel I'm as able as anyone.

"I have a feeling it will be bittersweet ... I'm ready for it. I'm excited."