Yorkville Christian senior Jackson Gillen has a habit of turning dreams inside out.
He already has been a walking nightmare this season for opponents who feel the strain and pressure of trying to outmaneuver him. And his focus is on one thing and one thing only.
“This year, I plan on not losing,” Gillen said. “That is an excellent goal.”
Gillen continued his season of excellence Saturday, improving to 13-0 with three pins and a major decision in capturing the 170-pound championship of the Plano Reaper Classic.
Thirteen is clearly unlucky for those who have drawn him.
“My style has always been very defensive, with very few mistakes,” Gillen said. “I capitalize on other people’s mistakes.”
At the Reaper Classic, Gillen unveiled a new strategy, replacing his defensive-first instincts with a furious aggression.
“I probably shot more this tournament than I have my entire life,” he said.
He’s not one to be idle or stand by and wait for change. Looking back is not an option, either.
Last season, Gillen (49-6) achieved a rare double, first winning the Class 1A state championship at 170 pounds with a win by pin over Lena-Winslow’s Griffin Luke.
He then helped the Mustangs make history with their dual team state title. It was the first state championship in school history, preceding the boys basketball title by two weeks.
“The team championship was more meaningful because all of my friends were there,” Gillen said. “We got to win one together rather than just me.”
The way his teammates talk, Gillen is contradictory in the best sense. He’s alternately tough and demanding and loose and funny, according to junior 120-pounder Ty Edwards.
“He works very hard in the room, especially during practice,” Edwards said. “Outside, he is very caring, and other times, he is on us. He always has great character.
“As a wrestler, he has great work ethic and dedication.”
Noah Dial (9-1), a senior who won the Reaper Classic title at 132, has been one of Gillen’s best friends since third grade.
“He is always checking up on his guys,” Dial said. “He’s a really nice guy. He is loose and enjoyable. He jokes around a lot.
“As a wrestler, he does a great job of being in the flow. He automatically gets to his own thing.”
The natural and inevitable question is what does Gillen do for an encore? More precisely, how does he not get complacent?
“You have to remember everybody is trying to be better than you,” he said. “I’m just trying to not let that happen.”
Gillen started wrestling at age 5. He showed natural instinct and aptitude.
Success only begets greater success. The six losses he suffered last season might have been reversed by his newfound offensive strategy.
“I take losses really well,” he said. “I’m almost nonchalant about it. I just felt like had I taken more shots, I’d have beaten even more kids than I did.”
Talent is crucial. Attitude is the great leveler.
“Having a grown-up mentality is probably the biggest separation from high school and club wrestling,” he said. “I see all of these freshmen come in, they’re not mean. They’re not trying to win. They’re just trying to go out there and wrestle. You have to be different.”
To that end, Gillen is not content. He’s not satisfied. The past is the past.
“I have always been very confident,” Gillen said. “Now, I am starting to grow up more in my mind. I am understanding how life is and how I need to wrestle.
“I want to keep the mentality I have to be the best and have the heart to show I am the best.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.