UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- While this year may look and feel different, Penn State wrestler Jarod Verkleeren's goals have stayed the same. Although he wonders what could have been during the 2020 NCAA Championships, after the tournament was cancelled, Jarod is motivated to compete in 2021.
Now, Verkleeren is training hard to be ready for the upcoming season. "I'm getting the rust off from the summer, getting my mind ready and my body ready for the year and what's to come. I'm visualizing myself at the top of the podium," says Jarod. He is clear on what he wants to accomplish and remains focused on winning.
Jarod is working to improve his performance from last year, "I feel with a little more technique and a little bit more hustle on certain things and certain positions, I'll start separating that gap."
Looking up to Penn State wrestling alumni, Jarod admires the leadership and accomplishments of the Nittany Lion greats, "I was in the room with some of the best. I got to see what their work ethic was and what they did to become National Champions." As an upperclassman, he strives to be an example for his younger teammates through his actions, "living the right lifestyle, getting good grades, doing the right things, and going hard after practice," explains Jarod.
While continuously exemplifying what it means to be a Penn State wrestler, Jarod is an example for wrestlers of all ages. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 4, he wants other wrestling hopefuls who are diabetic to know that they too can succeed at one of the highest levels there is. "It's not an easy disease to control, but you just have to be tough and go out and do your best," says Jarod.
Verkleeren first opened up about his health last year, sharing what he goes through on a daily basis as a type 1 diabetic and as a Penn State student athlete. His wrestling approach is slightly different compared to his teammates, especially when it comes to nutrition. Consistency is important for his health and helps him to understand how different foods affect his body and blood sugar levels, especially with maintaining the right weight.
He not only prepares his body for competition, but his mind as well. "It's important that I stay relaxed and calm. Once I get out there and shake hands, I continue to stay relaxed," shares Jarod.
Over the past few seasons, he has learned to keep himself composed before matches, as to not let his adrenaline spike his blood sugar because he would start to fatigue. This can be difficult, especially when other wrestlers try to get hyped-up before a big match. However, he remains focused and confident in his ability to wrestle. "I just want to be myself," says Jarod.
Verkleeren has learned a lot about himself during his time at University Park and continues to learn even more from the Penn State wrestling coaching staff. "We have the best coaches in the country. From a wrestling standpoint, it doesn't get any better. I'm grateful that I came to Penn State and got to be around them and learn from them," shares Jarod. The Penn State coaches' perspective on life has helped him on and off the mat. "Coach Cael always says, 'Focus on what you want.' So, I want to be a National Champion," says Jarod. Once he has a goal in mind, he is determined to achieve it.
Verkleeren is looking forward to enjoying every moment of his collegiate wrestling career by having fun and being himself, no matter what obstacles life may bring. "The time is going to eventually come where I'm going to be able to compete again, and that's when I what to be ready so that's what I'm training for," says Jarod. "Once you have that goal set in your mind, you do what you need to do to get there. That's what I'm looking forward to doing."
