Luke Jenness, a junior on the Northwestern wrestling team, has just been named GPAC Champion for his weight class. He is ranked No. 10 at 184 pounds. In the past three years, Jenness has been busy putting in the work and has seen some incredible results. He has been awarded for his achievements. The most recent title marks his second conference title and third time selected as First Team All-Conference. Last year he finished second in the conference but was selected for the title of GPAC Champion regardless.
The first day of the GPAC Championships as the top seed, Jenness received a first-round bye. His first opponent was Jamestown’s Austin Morris where he won by fall to push himself in position for a championship push on Saturday in Mitchell, South Dakota. Day two, Jenness would be the lone Raider to punch a ticket to a championship bout, winning by fall over Doane’s Cael Jordan. He would go toe-to-toe with Briar Cliff’s Jeremiah Glise in a rematch from the dual in Orange City, where Jenness prevailed with a 9-2 decision. Jenness downed Glise for the second time this season with a 5-1 decision to pick up the 184-point title.
“Luke is a standard bearer for us. He does everything right,” head coach Rik Dahl said. Dahl was excited to share not only about Jenness’ many accomplishments, but also about who he is as a person both on and off the mat.
“Jenness has a really strong mind and an incredible work ethic,” said Dahl. “It is easy to see God at work in Jenness’ discipline. The way Jenness tackles practices head-on and put in extra work 2-3 times a week is a testament to his desire to do well for the Lord.”
“I’m very humbled with this accomplishment, recognizing that what I suffered for it doesn’t even compare to what Jesus suffered for me on the cross. That’s why I’m honored to be able to give it all back to Him!” said Jenness.
The blood, sweat and tears Jenness has poured into his training this season have helped him grow in all aspects of life. Jenness feels blessed to have experienced an incredible sense of joy in being able to overcome the challenges of preparing for this season.
To secure the title of GPAC Champion, Jenness posted a team high 28-4 record and lead the Raiders in falls with a total of 11. Him and teammate, Jakob Francksen-Small, will be wrestling at the National tournament in Wichita, Kansas from March 4-5. 
