From all-American to assistant, Owen sees success
Wrestler now takes time to pass on knowledge to team
Two torn shoulders, a ripped anterior cruciate ligament, and a broken foot are just a handful of the injuries Scott Owen has endured in his wrestling career.
But even after ending his NIU career in 2003 with the most wins in school history, Owen is not satisfied. Only a spot on the U.S. Olympic team and a medal will do.
“I’m pretty hard on myself, “Owen said. “There were a lot of things I wished I had accomplished but didn’t. So now I’m shooting for 2008 and putting my time and effort into that.”
A blown-out ACL in his right knee caused Owen to miss the 2004 Olympic trials and a shot to join the U.S. team in Athens. He had wrestled and lost to eventual silver medalist Jamill Kelly in overtime in the U.S. Open that year and is currently ranked No. 9 in his weight class.
“He definitely has a good shot at making the team, “NIU coach Dave Grant said. “He’s gone down from 157 pounds to 145 pounds, so he’s probably going to be stronger than a lot of those guys.”
A two-time all-American and owner of three consecutive MAC championships, Owen is arguably the greatest wrestler in school history.
But the 25-year-old doesn’t have time to rest on his laurels. Besides training in Colorado Springs for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Owen is also serving his first year as a full-time assistant coach for the Huskies.
“It was just a good fit both ways, “Grant said. “He’s just tenacious and driven. He had opportunities to walk away from the sport because of injuries, but he didn’t quit.”
Senior Sam Hiatt said that while Owen’s primary role involves teaching technique to middle-weight wrestlers, Owen’s advice in the practice room is well-respected by all.
“I used to be Scott’s roommate and I saw first-hand how he helped turn this program around, “Hiatt said. “He’s one of the best wrestlers NIU’s ever had. He relates to us pretty well and everyone on the team looks up to him.”
Despite a starting team composed mainly of underclassman, the Huskies finished this regular season with a 14-4 record and a No. 23 national ranking. The New Mexico native said he is very impressed by the youthful team’s progress and attitude this season.
“The kids are young but they’re scrappers, “Owen said. “They lay it on the line every time they’re out there. Every year we get better and better and we’ll find a way to get over the humps one of these times.”
The “hump “Owen referred to is the MAC title that has eluded the Huskies, who have finished second to Central Michigan the last three years.
With the MAC championships only one week away, Grant said his lineup is almost solidified. Freshman Tyler Bruesewitz will get the start at 184 pounds while senior Brandon Check and freshman Derek Hunsinger will face off today to see who will wrestle at 197.
When asked whether he would consider pursuing a head coaching job of his own someday, Owen was unsure.
“I’m pretty selfish when it comes to my competing, “Owen said. “I enjoy it now, but once I’m done competing, I might want to get out of it. I can see myself moving on to something else.”
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