University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrestling Assistant Coach Jeff Zastrow will represent the U.S. in the first-ever Beach Wrestling World Championships in Turkey beginning November 1st.
Zastrow won gold in the senior men’s 231-pound division the day prior to the World Trials. It was the Beach World Trials the next day where he made his mark.
The 210-pound Zastrow competed in the ‘above 85 kg’ class, wrestling against opponents that weighed as much as 285 pounds. Despite giving away a 70-pound advantage, he managed to finish high enough to qualify for the World Championships following an injury to the second-place finisher.
All this occurred without having any previous experience in beach wrestling.
“If it comes around and I have the opportunity to do it, I’ll try,” Zastrow said.
An assistant coach since the end of his collegiate career, Zastrow continues to find new adventures. He has taken part in several other activities such as skydiving, cliff diving, whitewater rafting over waterfalls and ultimate fighting.
“He has this certain edge to him,” said wrestling Head Coach Tim Fader. “I don’t think he fears anything.”
The Watertown native has continued to prepare for his first international event as he expects to have a good showing.
“[I’m] going to keep lifting hard and wrestling hard,” said Zastrow. “I’m going to try my best and hope to win.”
Known for his work ethic and his dedication to the wrestling program, Zastrow has made a significant impact on the school’s athletic program.
“[Zastrow] brings a lot to our wrestling program,” said Fader. “He is available to the [team] at any time of the day; He gives a lot, and the guys know it.”
Zastrow first attended Lakeland College where he posted an 83-12 record, catching the eye of former head coach Willie Myers who convinced Zastrow to continue his career with the ‘Hawks.
In his three-year career at UW-Whitewater, Zastrow posted spectacular numbers while qualifying for the NCAA Championships twice and receiving All-American honors.
In the 2001-02 season, Zastrow’s first with the Warhawks, he posted a 24-5 season. Zastrow took a medical hardship waiver during the 2003-04 season when he struggled with injuries.
Returning his senior year, Zastrow posted a 30-5 record en route to a second return to the NCAA Championships.
“[Zastrow] is a lot what I want our wrestlers to be,” said Fader. “He’s passionate about the sport and trains to get better, not just because he was told to.”
Coverage of the championships will be available through www.themat.com.
Wrestling Gear
