Navy's Jadaen Bernstein hunts NCAA podium in final collegiate campaign

Entering his final year at the United States Naval Academy, Jadaen Bernstein has cemented himself as a standout leader in the Midshipmen wrestling room and looks to wrap up his collegiate career on the NCAA podium.

The decision to join the Naval Academy was an easy one for Bernstein, who stepped onto the campus in the fall of 2014. His family ties to Navy brought him from his hometown of Glen Gardner, N.J., to Annapolis, Maryland.  Two of Bernstein’s siblings graduated from the Academy: his sister LeShay, who was a track and field star and his brother Dantaun.

That wasn’t the only reason Bernstein became a Midshipman.

“Being in the military has always been appealing. Of my four siblings, three of them were in the military, and two of them came here, so I kind of knew what this place was about and how it operated,” Bernstein said. “Coming here would allow me to serve and also extend my wrestling career and compete at a high Division I level. Being able to come to this school and also compete academically with the best of the best was a bonus, too. At some point, wrestling comes to an end, and I wanted a good education and foundation for the rest of my life.”

To some, transitioning into a military academy’s routine might be a struggle but not for Bernstein, who was a three-sport athlete in high school and was used to a disciplined lifestyle.

“It’s pretty regimented here with the military aspect. Besides wearing a uniform and the extra military stuff, it’s just like going to school,” Bernstein said. “I guess the biggest difference is we aren’t allowed to leave campus during the week but there’s so much work anyway that you don’t have time to go anywhere. For me, nothing really changed going from high school to college. It’s a similar schedule for me.”

Having adjusted well to college life, Bernstein had an impactful freshman season not only on the mat but also in the wrestling room.

“Jadaen has been a leader in the program since his arrival,” Navy head coach Joel Sharratt said. “Early on it was his effort and positive attitude that set him apart from others but he quickly and positively became a vocal leader among his peers as well. When he is in the room he will physically and verbally inspire others to push a little harder and dig a little deeper to do just one more rep when their body tells them to quit.  He holds the line like a Spartan holds his shield. He also gives like a selfless warrior, who risks everything for others they don’t even know.  ”

By the year’s end, Bernstein collected 24 overall wins, qualified for the NCAA tournament, won the 174-pound EIWA championship and became the first Navy wrestler to be named EIWA Freshman of the Year.

It was his freshman year that Bernstein experienced a turning point in his wrestling career, one that led him to his successful championship season.

Just before the conference championships, Bernstein wrestled in the highly anticipated Navy vs. Army dual. He matched up with Brian Harvey, an eventual three-time NCAA qualifier, who defeated Bernstein by one point for the second time in the 2014-15 season.

“The next Tuesday we came in after losing to Army and we were doing sprints on the track. I wanted to win every sprint. I wasn’t the fastest guy on the team, but I remember that day, I didn’t lose a single sprint because I was just so mad about losing to him again by one point,” Bernstein said. “I had a long talk with Coach Lloyd (Rogers) after and that conversation really built my confidence going into conference. That week was probably the turning point for my career. My freshman year was kind of on and off and I remember that week I decided to make a change.”

Since then, Bernstein has improved more and more each year, punching his ticket to three NCAA Championships and reaching the cusp of All-American status.

At the 2016 and 2017 NCAA tournaments, Bernstein advanced to the round of 12, also known as the blood round.

In 2016, entering the tournament unseeded, Bernstein knocked off No. 4 seed Ethan Ramos of North Carolina, 13-8, to start off his run. After falling to No. 12 Nate Jackson of Indiana in the quarterfinals, Bernstein was sent to the backside of the bracket; however, Bernstein had to medically forfeit, leaving him one win short of All-American honors.

At the 2017 tournament, Bernstein was knocked out of championship contention early, losing to eventual NCAA champ Mark Hall of Penn State in the round of 16. In consolation, he recorded two major decision wins, including a 14-6 victory against No. 13 Taylor Lujan of Northern Iowa. Waiting for him in the blood round was 10th-seeded Zach Brunson of Illinois, who took the match, 12-2, leaving Bernstein one win shy of becoming an All-Ameerican for the second year in a row.  

This year, the Navy senior is determined to change that pattern, committing his summer to getting better by taking advantage of the Navy-Marine Corps Regional Training Center, working out at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Va., and spending a month in Coronado, Calif., with Navy SEALS.

“I just have to do all the right things and keep working hard,” he said. “I just have to keep working on positions that I’m good in and wrestle the way I know how. Last year I got to the blood round, and I didn’t wrestle my match. That’s why I lost. If I wrestle my match, I’ll win it every single time. Really it’s about putting it all together on the right weekend. It’s just a question of can I make it work and can I keep it consistent at that level.”

The coaching staff behind him sees a difference in the senior and expect a podium performance from him come March.

“He is committed to physical excellence and the grind he has put himself through in preparation for this year is far greater than the first four matches at the NCAA tournament,” Sharratt said. “His laser focus is on training to be the very best wrestler his abilities will allow him to be.  He is focused on the process of developing himself as an elite wrestler and officer ready to serve our country. The byproduct of that preparation is beating Army, winning the EIWAs again and taking his climb up the NCAA podium in Cleveland.”

Upon wrapping up his senior year, Bernstein will begin his military service with the Navy. Although he hasn’t received his assignment yet, the Midshipman has his sights set on marine aviation. Should he get it, he’ll commit the next 8-10 years of his life serving with the United States Navy.

Until then, Bernstein will look to complete some wrestling goals he’s set for himself as well as the team.

“For me individually, I want a conference championship and a national title,” Bernstein said. “As a team, we want to go undefeated in all of our dual meets, which includes beating Army. I think we have the potential to qualify all 10 for the national tournament.  Navy wrestling is a strong tradition. Everyone that puts on a Navy singlet prides themselves in wearing the N-star. If you meet up with and Navy wrestler, it’s going to be a hard-fought seven-minute dog fight. It doesn’t matter who’s across the mat.”