Nick Blanchard '20 Recruiting Profile

I started my wrestling career in 6th grade and I am thankful everyday that I made the decision to wrestle. It has taught me so much, from discipline to keeping composure in tough situations. My high school wrestling career started off with a gold medal at Freshman SoCal, one of the toughest freshman tournaments in Southern California. I went into sophomore year with high expectations for myself to win CIF but unfortunately, I came up short, ending the season 32-14. This did, however, push me to work even harder in the off season and led to a gold medal at California Sophomore State Championships.  My Junior season I clenched the starting spot at 195 lbs with high hopes for the season.  The season started off slow but I soon began to build up momentum, taking down some of the top competitors in San Diego. I eventually worked my way into the California State Rankings at #36 and found myself ranked #3 in the San Diego Section. Unfortunately I suffered a season ending injury in the semifinals at one of the last tournaments of the season. The x-rays showed that I had fractured my jaw in 2 places, severely displaced and needed immediate surgery. I was not able to compete at CIF, Masters, or State due to my jaw fracture. Even though my individual effort was not represented at the state tournament, we placed 8th as a team with 4 medalists. I am honored to have been part of a historic season for the team, but next year I aspire to be one of those medalists. So far, I am 8 weeks post operation, and I am already getting stronger, faster, smarter, and tougher than I've ever been. My goal is to excel both on and off the mats and hopefully make an impact at the state tournament next February. I am looking for a college that will suit my academic as well as athletic abilities with coaches and teachers that will help me grow as a person and a wrestler.