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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend February 10, 2006 Southern Oregon University wrestler Jimmy Grochowsky attempts a flip assistant coach Theo White during practice on Thursday. History in the making SOU senior aims to become third wrestler in school history to earn 100 career wins By KRIS HENRY Mail Tribune The last thing Jimmy Grochowsky had in mind four years ago when he stepped into the Southern Oregon University wrestling room was that he might one day make Raider history. Back then, the former Estacada High standout says he merely wanted to make it on the varsity squad and possibly advance to the NAIA national tournament. He accomplished both goals that season and has made a habit of living up to expectations ever since. "Coming in, I was just another freshman," says Grochowsky, 22. "My goals from when I first came to college wrestling are completely different than they are now. I never thought about being in the position I am now." That position for the 165-pound Grochowsky (pronounced Gro-husky): ranked No. 1 at the NAIA level and two wins shy of becoming only the third wrestler in school history to reach 100 career wins. Advertisement SOU will close out its regular season tonight and Saturday with dual meets at McNeal Pavilion against NCAA Division I UC-Davis and NAIA rival Pacific, respectively. Action begins at 7 each night, with the No. 7-ranked Raiders celebrating the program’s 50th anniversary with ceremonies on Saturday. There might also be an impromptu celebration for Grochowsky’s 100th win. "I couldn’t ask for a better position than I’m in right now," says the senior, who is 30-5 and has won eight straight matches. "My whole year has set up perfectly for finishing out this way. (Reaching) 100 wins this weekend really would put it all over the top. To be able to do it at home and on senior night with my family and friends here, it would really mean a lot." That goes double for SOU coach Mike Ritchey, who has watched Grochowsky develop into a true leader for the Raiders. "Jimmy’s just had a heck of an impact on the program, and it’d be nice to see him get 100," says the 11th-year coach. "From the time he got here, he’s just done everything right and has elevated his wrestling year in and year out through hard work." Grochowsky, who was named SOU’s most inspirational wrestler last year, prides himself in self-motivation and has had a knack for reaching the personal goals set prior to each season. After his success as a freshman (posting 21 wins and falling one bout shy of being a national placer), Grochowsky set a goal of being an All-American and national placer as a sophomore. He did so, finishing eighth at 157 pounds. Believing he could do more, Grochowsky then made a goal of finishing in the top three as a junior. He did so, taking third last year in a tournament he firmly believes he should have won. His lone loss was avenged in the third-place final. This year as a senior, only one goal would suffice. "I’ve kinda felt like maybe I didn’t set my goals high enough," Grochowsky says of years past. "This year I have no doubt in my mind I’m going to win a national title." It’s not a statement spurred by cockiness or disrespect toward his competition, just a notion built to help carry him through the season. "I have to have confidence," he adds. "If I have any doubt going into a match, then there’s no way I’m going to win." That confidence has allowed him to prevail, for the most part. Four of his five losses were to ranked Division I foes, and the fifth was to a ranked NAIA counterpart in a different weight class. Consistency has been Grochowsky’s key to success, posting seasons of 21, 19 and 28 wins heading into his final campaign. He’s 98-43 overall entering tonight’s match. "It’s really tough for a guy to be able to compete that hard and that consistently throughout four seasons like he has," says Ritchey. "Being able to even get in 30 matches in a year is amazing because not everyone can do that ... the body is just not that durable." Grochowsky credits his solid run at SOU to hard work and the help of outstanding teammates and coaches along the way. His current wrestling partner, David O’Brien, is ranked sixth at 174 and has placed second and fifth at 184 in his trips to nationals. Grochowsky has also locked horns with Brian Wilson and Chris Huntley, who along with John Sills, have given SOU three champions at 165 over the past five years. "I’m kinda due, I think, because of that," Grochowsky jokes of the school’s magical run recently at his weight. A more apt reason for Grochowsky’s high hopes involve his relentless approach to each match and almost obscene thrill of domination. "I’m one of those guys who’s going to go out there and just beat on you," he says. "I get heavy on the head with my hands and I just shoot and shoot and shoot and keep coming after you." "I get more pleasure with just cracking a guy and having them quit than anything," Grochowsky adds. "I love that part." Having your hand raised in victory isn’t bad, either. Especially when you make a habit of it. Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail History in the making ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. 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