From friends to foes

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

University of Iowa's Aaron Janssen 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 2003-06.

This time, however, they faced off in an elimination match in the 165-pound bracket Friday in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships at Wells Fargo Center. The Hawkeye won the battle of former E-Hawks. Janssen scored two takedowns to post a 6-2 victory over Kerber in a consolation match to 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 has been friends with Kerber since the first grade and they have shared the highs and lows of the sport together. Kerber's father, Jeff, a former Iowa Hawkeye wrestler, started him in the sport. The pair 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 offseason, we talk more.”

There were no words before the match. A simple acknowledgement and then it was all business once the whistle blew.

“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 concluded his collegiate career as a three-time NCAA qualifier, posting a 32-6 record this year. The win was emotional, and probably a little bittersweet since Janssen, in his first NCAA tournament, 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. “We both lost so third is our first.”