Rosemount Wrestler Headed to West Point for Leadership Seminar

Adam Jackson is headed to West Point. The Rosemount junior will attend a June leadership conference aimed to give participants a chance to sample the life at the prestigious military school.

Attendees at the one-week Summer Leaders Seminar (SLS) live in the cadet barracks and eat at the cadet mess. The schedule of academic, leadership and military workshops are designed to teach leadership skills and give participants a glimpse of life in the military.

Jackson is a member of the Rosemount High boys wrestling squad and he said that mix of workshops is one of the reasons he had originally pursued the opportunity. "One of the things I've enjoyed most about wrestling is the feeling of being on a team. I've learned a lot about leadership by wrestling and this is a chance for me to learn some new skills and be even more prepared for college."

Jackson's mother Nikki said she is pleased with his wrestling progress this season and thinks the conference will be a terrific experience. "We think this is something that may be right up his alley. Its a great opportunity to get a real feel for life at one of the Academies and to further develop his leadership skills."

Aside from building leadership skills in select high school students, the conference is also designed to promote West Point as a possible option for their college years. Jackson said that option is certainly one he is considering. "It's a big commitment, and it's not a decision I've made yet," he said. "But I like the idea of being part of a team and West Point would give me that (experience)."

By any standards, Jackson has had a great junior year of high school. He has a wrestling record of 32-1 after Thursday's match. He also has a 4.0 GPA, is in National Honor Society and is on Student Council.

Rosemount High wrestling coach Brett Larson said that Jackson's hard work really paid off over the past season. "Adam has always been very driven, but this year he has elevated his drive even more," said Larson. "He always likes challenges and wants to wrestle the best so he can see where he is in relation to the state’s best wrestlers. He is also able to keep everything in proper perspective while balancing his academics and wrestling. He is a great example for others to follow."

When asked about his accomplishments, Jackson shrugs it off and said he has just worked hard and tried to do his best.

While he has had a stellar wrestling season, Jackson isn't expecting to continue his athletic career in college. "It (wrestling) isn't going to influence where I go school," he said. "There isn't much of a career for someone who's a wrestler. I've enjoyed it, but I'll be focused on other things in college."

Despite that plan, wrestling is still a big part of his life in high school. When asked to name one thing he would like to accomplish this year, he thought about it and then said "Well, a state wrestling title would be pretty nice."