Pascoe off to stellar start, sets sights on national championship
By Joe Bonge Daily Nebraskan
Lincoln, NE (U-WIRE) — Travis Pascoe can see the writing on the wall — and on his shoes.
Every day he stares at the writing to the point of delirium. Whether it’s on his shoes or in the locker room, he makes a point to look at it.
The writing is two simple words scrawled in black permanent marker: National Champion.
“I think about it every day, “said the senior, who wrestles at 184 pounds. “I know I have the ability to do it because I’ve wrestled the guys that have done it and I know I can win at the highest level.”
So far this season, Pascoe has lived up to his expectations of All-America-caliber wrestling.
The Rathdrum, Idaho, native is off to a 14-1 start that includes 13 straight wins. Pascoe’s only loss this season came against Greg Jones of West Virginia, the No. 1-ranked wrestler in the 184- pound weight class.
Pascoe successfully defended his individual title at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 4, leading NU to a second-place finish.
He now is ranked seventh nationally in his weight class for the No. 4 Cornhuskers.
“I know I can take anybody down, it’s just a matter of finishing, “Pascoe said.
NU Coach Mark Manning said Pascoe possessed the assets needed to make a run at a national title.
“As far as guys I’ve coached that have won national championships go, “Manning said, “Travis definitely has those qualities. That’s being mentally tough in pressure situations and stepping up when he needs to.”
In 2003-04, Pascoe got off to a scorching 23-0 start before losing five of his last seven matches to finish 28-7. His 18 dual wins tied him for seventh all-time at NU.
The Big 12 Conference Championships and NCAA Tournament proved to be another story. Pascoe went 2-2 at the Big 12 Tournament and earned a wild card berth into the NCAA Tournament.
At the NCAA meet, the fifth-seeded Pascoe lost in a first-round upset to Blake Kaplan of Ohio State and ended the meet with a 2-2 record.
The letdown at nationals was a finish that Pascoe said has motivated him this year.
“I had a great year last year at the beginning, but at the end, I didn’t perform and that was a little disappointing, “Pascoe said.
Pascoe has compiled a career record of 110-35 that includes four trips to the NCAA Tournament.
Manning said Pascoe has meant more to his team over the course of his career than just being a valuable wrestler.
“He’s a guy that you would want for your son, “Manning said. “He just has the characteristics of a winner.”
Pascoe said he was looking forward to seeing NU finish the year just as strong as it started, while at the same time worrying about one opponent at a time.
“I feel that this is a team, not just individuals, “Pascoe said. “I think we are such a strong team that everybody has the chance to be a good wrestler.”
(C) 2004 Daily Nebraskan via U-WIRE
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