Wigger seeking 3rd title

Jordan Wigger is only a junior at Summerville High, but he's already accomplished more in wrestling than most kids dream about.

He's a member of the USA Junior National wrestling team, is a two-time state champion and has 113 wins and counting. This past summer, he finished third at the Junior Nationals in freestyle wrestling.

In a few weeks, Wigger will chase his third straight individual state title. He's trying to keep his quest of capturing four state titles alive, something only 30 wrestlers at the Class AAAA level have done.

It's the physical and mental grind that draws Wigger to wrestling. The fact that anytime he takes to the mat he could lose motivates him.

"Although I have been wrestling since I was 4, I like wrestling because you can overcome almost any setback," said Wigger, who is 5-4 and 120 pounds. "People who have lost a leg, an arm or are blind can still wrestle. If you work hard enough, you can overcome most any obstacle on the mat."

Not only is Wigger an outstanding wrestler, he's also an honor student with a 4.17 GPA in honors and AP courses. He has received 21 letters from colleges, including Cornell, Columbia and Virginia Tech.

Even with his success on the mat and in the classroom, Wigger remains humble.

"One of those kids you dream about having on your team," Green Wave coach Darryl Tucker said. "To see Jordan in a crowd of people, you would never know he's a wrestler. He does everything right and doesn't draw attention to himself."

Wigger has a good reason to be confident, because every day in practice he faces a three-time state champion in senior Aaron Hansen, who is chasing his fourth state title.

"He's a great practice partner," Wigger said. "We push each other, and that allows each of us to get better every day."

Another reason Wigger believes he can claim another title is his toughest foe, South Point's Sean Hira, graduated last year. Wigger has beaten Hira two years in a row in the state final.