University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Meet the Freshman: Jager Eisch
10/21/2021 3:33:00 PM | Wrestling
Freshman introductions rolls on as we cross the border to highlight our next newcomer
Our "Meet the Freshman" series rolls on as we cross the border to introduce our next newcomer: Jager Eisch.Â
Eisch is a Kaukauna, Wis., native and graduated from Kaukauna HS with a 125-23 prep record and two state titles. He is also the reigning USAW Folkstyle National champion at 132 pounds.Â
GopherSports: First, just talk us through why you chose the University of Minnesota?Â
Eisch: There were two main points for me that made Minnesota my top choice. The first one was just the relationship that I built with every single one of the coaches right away. We got very close right off the bat and they still treat us like family. The other main point was that everybody wants to win, and I want to win too so it worked out well.Â
GS: Talk about some of the relationships you've made with guys on the team, both with your incoming class and then some of the older guys on the team?
Eisch: I mean it's awesome to be able to come here and train with guys like Patrick McKee, and be around guys who have been around the block a few times and become All-Americans. Then in our class, we have some hammers in that class too and it's just really exciting to grow closer with the guys together and eventually we'll win together.Â
GS: Of course, wrestling in Division-I and in the Big Ten is the best that you can get in collegiate wrestling. Talk about what excites you about wrestling on that stage?
Eisch: Just the competition is awesome. In high school, I'd always go out of my way to get the best competition that I could find and I don't plan to stop that any time soon so it's exciting.Â
GS: You talked a little bit about it with your incoming class, but what is your outlook like when you think look forward to these next couple of years?
Eisch: It's exciting. They've had good results already in the past but I think it only looks better from here. I think we have a bright future and I'm just excited to be a part of a team that's going to bring home a trophy in the next coming years.Â
GS: For the fans that haven't seen you, describe your wrestling style and what you bring to the Gopher wrestling room?Â
Eisch: I mean I think I'm pretty fun to watch. I try to go out there and put points on the board. I don't like winning close matches, I like to let it fly out there and try to entertain the crowd as much as I can without wrestling stupid.Â
GS: You're coming off some of your best wrestling it seems at least from a results perspective, looking back on yourself winning another state title and Folkstyle Nationals this past spring. Just explain where you think your wrestling is at right now?Â
Eisch: Yeah, the results have been good. I didn't quite have the tournament I wanted in Fargo but that's part of the sport. That's why I love wrestling so much. You're never perfect, there's always room to improve no matter who you are. So, yeah I've had some good results in the past, but I'd like to keep improving and this is the best place for it.Â
GS: Coming out of Kaukauna, you always had a competitive high school schedule. Do you think wrestling in competitive tournaments like that benefitted your wrestling at all coming into college?
Eisch: Yeah, we probably had the most competitive schedule at least in our state, and I always really liked that. I liked that our coaches would go out there and try to give us the best competition because that's the only way you're going to get better, and I'm excited to be a part of a team here that is going to go out and do the same thing here.
GS: Of course we still have a little while until our first competition, but what have you had to adjust to now that you're in a college practice room, and who are some of the guys that you've been working with in practice?Â
Eisch: Yeah, I mean I've been wrestling with guys like Pat, Ben Lunn, and some of the other guys around my weight, and the thing I've noticed in the room is that everybody knows exactly why we're here, even in practice. Everyone knows that they're here to wrestle and wrestle well, and I love it because every time you toe the line with these guys in practice, it's a fight.Â
GS: Finally looking forward to your college career, what are some goals that you might have for yourself in terms of your college career?
Eisch: Yeah I mean for this year it's just whatever happens, happens I guess. I'm really just focused on improving and getting to the best that I can be. Even in my first year here, I'm already seeing big changes. After that, I'd love to be an NCAA All-American. That's definitely going to be a goal of mine.