Jake Deitchler is among the lucky few who have had positive life-changing experiences in Las Vegas. And he isn’t even old enough to gamble.

The 2008 high school graduate stormed through the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team Trials in June, becoming the first prep athlete to make the U.S. team since Mike Farina in 1976.

“I guess it was a moment that defined my life,” Deitchler said. “It changes who you are and what you want to do and goals.”

The Ramsey, Minn., native lost both of his matches in the 145.5-pound class at the Beijing Games, but it was an experience that will help him down the road, club coach and former Olympian Dan Chandler said.

“If he probably had had 10 more international matches before the Olympics, I think he would have won it,” said Chandler, coach of the Minnesota Storm.

Deitchler, who turned 19 in December, isn’t giving up on his dream of Olympic gold. That’s why he decided to roll the dice, scrapping plans to attend the University of Minnesota in order to become a resident at the Olympic Training Center, where he competed Friday at the Dave Schultz Memorial International Open.

“It came down to what I want out of life and what do I want to do wrestling-wise, what are my goals for my career,” said Deitchler, a three-time Minnesota state champion. “And everything that I wanted to do would be out here.”

Now he practices about 11 times a week and, since moving up to 163 pounds, eats every 3 hours.

“I’m just a full-time athlete,” he said. “I love it.”

Deitchler likes the high stakes, but he’s still getting used to the new weight class.

On Friday, he lost in the semifinals to Cheney Haight, the runner-up in the 163-pound class at the trials. Deitchler battled back to win in the consolation semifinals but lost again in the third-place match.

Deitchler began wrestling at age 6. His dad, Jason, was a Minnesota state champion and a two-time NAIA All-American for Mayville State (N.D.). His high school, Anoka, has had five Greco-Roman wrestlers make the Olympic team, including Chandler.

But Deitchler knows he’s still learning, which is why he’s at the OTC.

“Through this system, I can be the best in the world,” he said. “And sometimes it’s not easy. … The tunnel’s long, but there’s a big light at the end of the tunnel if you’re willing to do it right and wait.”

Chandler said he’s sure Deitchler will achieve his goals once he physically grows into his new weight class.

“There’s no stopping him,” Chandler said.

Photo by