Pacific Index

Junior TJ Turner is first Boxer in 10 years to compete in DIII Nationals

   When the gym is boisterous and filled with high energy, it is precisely where junior TJ Turner loves to be—and, it is exactly where all of his hard work is really starting to pay off. 

   Turner started his wrestling career his freshman year of high school when his school’s wrestling team needed an athlete to fill the weight class that he just so happened to fit in. “After I started wrestling for the first time I really got into it,” Turner said with bruises from practice peppering his smiling face. Not only did he start enjoying the new sport, but he was really good. Turner placed fifth at state his junior year of high school, and then third at state his senior year. Heading into college, Turner felt the excitement of a new challenge waiting ahead and wanted to grow his success with wrestling. 

   “I love the competition in wrestling and I feel like this year I am in my prime,” Turner expressed. He sits in his baggy sweats and black Pacific hoodie while he relives his winning season in his mind—and this wrestling season has been the best one Turner has ever had. His previous two seasons have been impressive, but both ended with losses and falling short from qualifying for nationals. That is, until this year.

   Going into his junior year, this season Turner has proven he is a dominant athlete. Competing at the NCAA Region VII Tournament finals, he won his first match by a 10-1 major decision, and he reached the semifinals, where his opponent had just won a quick victory in his own match—and was battle-ready. “I knew he was going to try to do something big to end the match quick because that’s what he did with the last guy,” Turner described. “Every time I got in on a leg, I would lift him up so he couldn’t do anything to me.” Turner finally got a takedown and put his opponent on his back to finish the match. “The whole stadium fell silent,” Turner recalled. “All you could hear was my team cheering, and I yelled, ‘I’m into nationals!’” 

   After his 125-pound first place match, followed by his match that gave him the ticket to nationals, Turner fell to Wisconsin-La Crosse sophomore Quintin Wolbert in the first period. “Next time we wrestle I think I got that match,” Turner reflected with confidence. His positive attitude and preparation this season is what offers him a healthy dose of confidence.

   When asked about his preparation for nationals, Turner responded, “It all starts in the diet.” Tracking his calories and protein intake is crucial to keep him disciplined and ready to compete. “Then it really comes down to working my ass off at practice,” he explained. “I have morning lift, practice, and then nightly yoga.” Taking good care of his body is a strong priority for the athlete, and he takes pride in his routine. 

   Turner will head to compete in Providence, Rhode Island at the Amica Mutual Pavilion for nationals. “I am feeling really confident going in,” Turner shares. “We have a very competitive region so anyone who makes it to nationals from our region has a good chance of placing, so I feel pretty good.” The support of his coaches and teammates have been a large part of his journey so far. His success this season is something that he wants to build on for the next, and he hopes to help encourage his team in the process. “Next year we have some really strong athletes that will make a name for themselves, especially within our women’s team… I can’t wait to see what will happen,” Turner shared. “I think we will be making history at Pacific.”

   With high hopes and strong confidence leading him, Turner is nothing less than excited for his trip to Rhode Island. “Going into this season I knew I wanted to not only make it to nationals, but I want to be All-American,” Turner states. And that’s exactly what he plans to do.