VISION QUEST: Houston heavyweight on a hunt for a state title

WASILLA — Dylan Jackson has been driven to succeed in wrestling since he first hit the mat in the fifth grade.

Now a senior, the Houston High standout’s drive has hit another gear. And he’s not ready to stop before reaching his ultimate goals.

A state title and chance to wrestle at the next level.

“I want to win state,” Jackson said after winning his weight class during the Lancer Smith Memorial last week at the Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla. “I’ve always wanted to win, but this year is my year. It’s my last year.”

Jackson has destroyed Alaska’s heavyweight class during the first two months of the season. He improved to 14-0 with a win over West Anchorage’s Poe Vaafuti in the finals. Not only is Jackson undefeated, but he’s allowed opponents nothing more than an escape so far this season.

No takedowns. No reversals. No nearfall points. It’s not a specific goal Jackson set, he said, but a sign of exactly how good Jackson has been this season.

“That just started happening,” Jackson said.

Houston head coach Danny Moffitt said Jackson showed up to practice at the beginning of the season toting a three-ring binder full of wrestling-related information.

Practice plans. Moves to work on. A script for success.

Moffitt lauds Jackson’s work ethic and determination.

“The focus is there,” Moffitt said. “It just comes down to Dylan’s hard work and perseverance. If someone really wants something and (is) willing to put in the work and time in, it usually pays off. That’s where Dylan’s at.”

Jackson, who finished fourth at 285 pounds, in the Division II state tournament last season, said he does feel different this year.

“I feel more confident in my wrestling,” Jackson said.

Coaching has also been key. Moffitt said assistant coaches Dan Taylor and Jhan Haddeland, who earned a pair of state titles at 189 pounds for Seward in 1992 and 1993, have played key roles, helping Jackson prepare in practice.

“I’ve got some great coaches,” Jackson said.

Jackson also played football as a senior, hitting the gridiron for the first time since he was in middle school. He established himself as a standout on the Hawks defensive line, and earned first-team all-conference and second-team all-state honors.

“It definitely got me faster and stronger,” Jackson said of his season of football.

But wrestling is his first love.

“I just love how you go out there — ya it’s a team sport — but when you’re on the mat, it’s all about you,” Jackson said. “You have to do it on your own to win.”

Moffitt said Jackson eats, sleeps and breathes wrestling.

“This is his sport. This is how he identifies himself,” Moffitt said.

And that drive and success is leading to potential opportunities at the next level. Moffitt said Jackson’s work and success prove that he’s ready to take the next steps in his career.

Jackson’s win over Vaafuti, a first-round pin, reinforces it.

“With this win over a 4A opponent, I hope this lets everybody know he’s the best heavyweight in the state, which he is,” Moffitt said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.