Maybe 3rd time’s a charm: Mount Vernon’s Jase Jaspers attempts to claim first state wrestling title

MOUNT VERNON – Jase Jaspers wakes up to a reminder on his wall every morning.

He also imagines the same goal before he goes to sleep each evening. After two straight silver medals, the Mount Vernon junior is determined to earn that elusive state gold.

“I actually have Post-It notes on my door with ‘2025 state champ’ on there,” Jaspers said. “Each day looking at that, knowing what my goal is and having it down on paper is a lot of it. Seeing that every day and working towards it helps a lot with the mindset.

“I visualize that every day, too. (Mustangs assistant) coach (Aaron) Truitt said visualize you winning those big matches before you go to bed every night. That helps a lot with my mindset.”

Jaspers’ effort over the last year has put him in position to take that additional step on the podium of the Class 2A state boys’ wrestling tournament Wednesday through Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Competition begins with 3A at 9 a.m.

Jaspers, the top seed at 144 pounds with a 43-0 record, employs the same approach for each tournament.

“I don't want to make it anything bigger than what it is,” Jaspers said. “Each tournament and practice I try to think of it as the state tournament, so when I get to state, I'm familiar with that stuff. I'm just excited for all the tough matches up there.”

Jaspers has won his share of tough state bouts but he has experienced two close final losses. He became Mount Vernon’s first freshman finalist since Greg Randall won the first of four titles in 1979 but allowed a takedown with 10 seconds left in a 3-2 loss to Davenport Assumption’s Derrick Bass at 126. Last year, he was second behind Osage’s Blake Fox, falling 3-1 in the 138 finals.

“I know losing his freshman year was pretty tough on him because he had that match wrapped up until the last 15 seconds,” Mount Vernon assistant coach and Jaspers dad, Kyle Jaspers, said. “Last year wasn’t as bad because he wasn’t really in the match per se.

“He handled it in stride. He still took it tough. Our family doesn’t value success on state titles as much as some people do. We tease him a little bit.”

Still, that’s just three total points shy of a title in two chances. Jaspers embraces the past because it has produced the present.

“Coming in second twice really hurts,” Jaspers said. “It’s not what you want to do each year. It's not what you work for, but I really think that was for me to be where I'm at today. It has helped me in the long run.”

The elder Jaspers hasn’t seen much of a difference from the previous two years. The biggest reason is the younger Jaspers has always been devoted and determined to be his best. The internal drive has always run in the red.

“He’s always been such a hard worker,” Kyle Jaspers said. “I haven’t seen too much of a change. He’s always been a high-level worker. He loves practices as much as competing.”

Mount Vernon Coach Vance Light was a two-time state champion for Lisbon. He related to the experience, noting that Jaspers didn’t talk much about it and the fact he was an underclassman lessened the sting.

“The best thing you do is just keep working and hopefully it works out for you in the long run,” Light said. “Take it a year at a time.”

More dedicated time to freestyle and Greco-Roman offseason wrestling has helped hone Jaspers ability. Interestingly, he has improved in the top position, helping him control opponents to the tune of a 95.4-percent bonus-point rate. Jaspers said the boost came from being ridden by older brother, Jackson, constantly in practice last season and Mustangs assistant Niles Mercer this year.

“I got out maybe once or twice from him (Jackson) at practice,” Jaspers said with a laugh. “He was so tough on top. Just learning the little stuff from him helped a lot. I go with Niles Mercer sometimes and I don't think I've ever gotten out from him.

“Just learning those little things like where to put your pressure and stuff like that. I was able to learn a lot. “

Light added, “He's been so dominant with is his match pace and being able to ride people. He can ride for a pretty extended time.”

Jaspers has tallied 29 pins, seven technical falls and four major decisions. Almost half of his matches have ended in the first period. Only nine reached the third and just six went the distance.

“He works hard in practice,” Light said. “He wrestles in the off season, which has helped him tremendously. He plays baseball and football, so it helps him stay competitive year- round. I like that he's just a competitive person.”

The competitive streak is balanced by a calm demeanor with a penchant to joke at time that is inviting to others. Light said it can benefit him during those heated brawls he prefers on the mat.

“It does help him stay calm,” Jaspers said. “He likes the big matches. He likes it to be hard, so I think that helps him a lot.”

Jaspers has an edge over others thanks to practice partner Mikey Ryan, who is the No. 2 seed at 150 with a 47-1 mark. Jaspers admitted they have tough battles in practices, which turn chippy, occasionally.

“That's great having someone who can push me and beat me at times,” Jaspers said. “The scrap is just great for those matches when I need it and when the other guy gets tired. Me and him go hard in the room, so we don't get as tired as everyone else.”

Jaspers will open with a bye and will wrestle the winner of North Fayette Valley’s No. 16 Logan Boehm and Harlan’s No. 17 Brody McKinley. He is one of nine in the field for the Mustangs , who were 2A runners-up a year ago.

Reaching the top step Saturday night starts with the steps taken the first three days.

“I'm just excited for the competition down there,” Jaspers said. “I’m ready to get those good matches and I think a lot of us are already excited for those big moments. Watch out for the Mustangs.”

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