Tyler Dow sets his goals for the year at the Annual Developmental Camp in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Action shot of Tyler Dow. Photo by Austin Bernard, OklahomaWrestling.org

Developmental Camp for Junior and Cadet wrestlers is underway this week at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Walking into Wednesday afternoon's session precisely 15 minutes early is 2016 Pan American Cadet champion Tyler Dow.

Dow recently finished up his junior high school season, earning himself his first state title at 160 pounds at the Wisconsin high school state tournament.

“It was a great tournament and I was able to beat a guy that I had lost to in the state finals last year to make it to the finals,” he said.

In December, Dow verbally committed to the University of Wisconsin. Deciding to continue his education and wrestling career as a Badger is a dream come true for Dow.

“It’s really exciting, I’ve always wanted to be a Badger. I grew up in wrestling and always watching them so it’s been a goal of mine to wrestle for them for a while,” he said.

When he arrives to campus in August 2019, teammate and friend Garrett Model will have already put in year with the Badgers.

“Garrett is going to Wisconsin and that was big thing when committing with them,” he said. “We’ve been teammates all through high school and have gotten really close. We have a strong friendship and that’ll now be able to continue through college and that played a big factor. He’ll be able to really guide me along and tell me what things will make you a better athlete in college and what things don’t”  

With a great influence from his father, Mel, Dow got into wrestling at young age. He was able to look up to his father for advice in the sport and bond on another level with the most influential man in his life.

“My dad’s been my biggest influence. He really pushes me to the best I can be and I really appreciate that. I enjoy having him in my corner when he can be there,” he said

With pushes from his dad and help from other coaches in his life Dow has been able to accomplish high goals in his career in the past year.

In July, Dow competed in his first Pan American Cadet Championships in Lima, Peru. With three tech falls and a pin, Dow dominated his competition to claim the title as 2016 Pan American champion at 69 kg/152 lbs.

“It was awesome to be able to represent the United States and have that experience. Not many people are able to do that,” he said.

Initially, Dow didn’t know anyone on the U.S. team but was able to make strong bonds with his team members. Bonds that continue to grow even today.

“It was a fun experience. I didn’t know anyone on the team going into the tournament and we really bonded while we were there. We made a group chat and we still even use it today. I’ve never been on a trip overseas where people bonded that well so it was really nice,” he said.  

Setting into gear as the national competition season begins, Dow is putting time into practice and spending his spring break at the Developmental Camp.

“It’s been a great week. We’ve really been able to learn a lot from all the coaches that have come in and workshops we’ve attended,” he said.

Dow is now moving out of his high school season and into national competitions. This is his last year that he will be eligible to compete at the Cadet level and is setting his goals high.