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ORDER GAME PHOTOS
Next in my TIER ONE of Idaho Prep Wrestling is Jaxton Packer of St. Anthony, Idaho, an exceptional student-athlete in the Class of 2024. Entering the circle at the young age of five, Jaxton is the second generation in his family to have competed for South Fremont High School, where his father, Greg, wrestled for the Cougars back in the day.
Located in the southeast region of Idaho, the city of St. Anthony (pop. 3,867) is one of the many small communities in the Gem State that is surrounded by 360 degrees of rural picturesque beauty through the seasons. What’s more, St. Anthony is an hour’s drive to one of our nation’s most visited destinations, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. St. Anthony is also home of the ultimate playground for off-road enthusiasts. With nearly 11,000 acres of white quartz sand dunes reaching in some areas up to 400 feet, this location attracts many from nearby states and across the country. More importantly, St. Anthony’s South Fremont High School is also known by those in the wrestling circles to produce not only State Championship teams, but state level and national caliber wrestlers as well.
From his earliest days on the mat, Jaxton has experienced a great deal of success within Idaho, the western region, and across the country. Earning multiple age group accolades at these events, it was the support of his family and wrestling community that provided him the means to train, travel, compete against the best of the best, and ultimately reach the highest level possible. According to Jaxton’s father, “It was around middle school age when Jaxton truly began to love the sport of wrestling and gravitated to the many challenges it presented.”
It was clear by the coaching staff at South Fremont (Student pop. – 479) that from the first day Jaxton entered the wrestling room, he was going to make an immediate impact as well as embrace the already strong wrestling culture within the program. According to Coach Rhett Banta, who has spent a great deal of time mentoring and training Jaxton, “He is a kid that no one wants to wrestle because of his toughness and grit…He just keeps coming at you from the start.” Moreover, when describing Jaxton’s approach to wrestling and life, he refers to the quote from Chinese philosopher, Confucius – “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” Based on what I have observed thus far, there is no doubt that Jaxton embraces the difficult process that wrestling time and again bestows on those that enter the circle.
Historically, South Fremont High School has produced a large number of state champions, placers, and prep level All-Americans. Since 2020, the Cougars have won four team championships in a row (5 overall) and will be in the mix this season. A senior in 2024, Jaxton enters this season in pursuit of a fourth state medal and first individual state title. To date, his list of prep level accolades is long and impressive. For example, he is a 2x District Champion, 3x State Placer, and has made two trips to the state finals. Additionally, Jaxton has placed at multiple Freestyle and Greco State Championships in the 16U and Junior Divisions. In 2023, he won a title at the Western States Championships. Over and above that, he has earned an impressive 8 All-American honors at the age group Folkstyle and Fargo Nationals.
This past summer, Jaxton accomplished what only few in the sport are able to achieve at the highest levels of competition. That is losing in the first round of a national level tournament and fighting back in the consolation rounds to place. At Fargo this year, Jaxton did just that and never looked back. Losing his first match in the round of 128 at the Junior Greco Nationals, Jaxton stormed back in the consolation side of the bracket to win eight matches in a row to secure a hard-fought spot on the podium as well as earning the designation of All-American (top 8). Finishing 5th overall in a very competitive weight group, it was Jaxton’s performance that helped anchor Team Idaho to its first ever National Team Championship at Fargo.
According to Chris Owens, the Director of Operations for USA Idaho Wrestling, “Jaxton’s performance in Fargo and specifically in Greco was to me an example of how in our sport, if and when you get knocked down you keep persevering – Jaxton lost his first match and came back all the way to the consolation semis and eventually ended up placing 5th, one win short of being the people’s champ, but was absolutely the rock behind our teams performance in Greco - our guys found a way to turn things their way by keeping pressure on their opponent - I’m so happy for Jaxton’s success - he has been in the shadow of a lot of really good wrestlers in Idaho evident by not being a state champ - in my experience those that work as hard as Jaxton always seem to find the top of the hill at some point! His journey is one I will remember and cherish for many years!”
Jaxton is equally successful in the classroom as he is on the mat. Currently, he maintains a 3.7 grade point average while taking advanced mathematic and college prep courses, but despite all his achievements to date, Jaxton has expressed his desire to continuously improve. This reminds me of my college wrestling coach/mentor’s philosophy in life, “Strive for perfection, but always except excellence.” What’s more, Jaxton is actively involved with coaching the next generation of elementary and middle school wrestlers in the community, a strong leading indicator of his exceptional leadership potential.
“Jaxton is one of those quiet leaders on our team. He’s a great example to his teammates and he’s been that leader even as an underclassman.”
- Jed Clark, South Fremont Coach
In my last article, I highlighted the Brunson twins of Buhl and described the dynamic of having a sibling or two compete together or follow in their footsteps. I previously mentioned that Jaxton followed in the footsteps of his father, Greg, also an alumni and wrestler of South Fremont. As of this article, Jaxton’s younger brother, Greysen, is already making a name for himself on the national scene. Presently in middle school, Greysen recently won the Preseason National Championships in his age group. Additionally, their youngest brother, Kevin, is in elementary school and currently being introduced to the sport. So, keep an eye on the St. Anthony area as the Packer surname will continue to be present on the mats in the future years to come.
Coming off a strong performance this past summer by anchoring Team Idaho to its first National Team Championship at Fargo, Jaxton enters his senior season rated among the top lightweights in the Gem State and is in pursuit of an individual state title and four medals overall. His journey from the beginning has had its ups and downs, but for the most part Jaxton takes on all challenges head on. It is within the process where he thrives the most. Given some thought to his long list of wrestling and academic accolades, they are noteworthy and a reflection of his commitment to be the best he can be in life. Always moving forward in the face of great challenges and adversity, Jaxton has proven that he is capable of achieving anything he sets his mind to.
An exceptional student at South Fremont, Jaxton has recently committed to compete next fall for the University of Sioux Falls, a new Division II program in South Dakota. I wish him the best this season and the future years ahead. To sum it up, follow your dreams and never look back!
This past week, I had the opportunity to talk to Jaxton and his father about wrestling, academics, life, and his goals moving forward. Below is my Q&A with Jaxton, another exceptional student-athlete that represents the great state of Idaho. Enjoy!
Q&A INTERVIEW WITH JAXTON PACKER
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING?
PACKER – I first got involved in this sport when I was 5 years old and just kept showing up to practice and had my parents kept taking me to all of the local tournaments in our area.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN THE SPORT?
PACKER – Some of the biggest influencers that have helped me grow as a wrestler would be Rhett Banta and Chris Owens.
HEADING INTO YOUR SENIOR SEASON, WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT- AND LONG-TERM GOALS AT SOUTH FREMONT HIGH SCHOOL?
PACKER – The long-term goal is to win a state title. One of my short-term goals is to never miss weight.
HAVING HAD SOME GREAT SUCCESS AT THIS POINT IN YOUR CAREER, DESCRIBE YOUR TRAINING ROUTINE AND YOUR OUTLOOK IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
PACKER – Take all the opportunities you can get to train with great partners and coaches.
DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND WRESTLING EXPERIENCE AT SOUTH FREMONT HIGH SCHOOL.
PACKER – I’ve had some great coaches and patterners at South Fremont the experience has been fun overall.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE ACADEMIC GOALS AT SOUTH FREMONT HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND?
PACKER – Some goals I have is to go and study a Business Major in college and finish high school with a 4.00 GPA.
HAVING COMMITTED TO COMPETE FOR THE NEW PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALL IN SOUTH DAKOTA, WHAT ARE YOUR ACADEMIC AND WRESTLING GOALS?
PACKER – The goals I’ve set going into a new program is to make an impact on the program and go win a national title.
IS THERE AN OLYMPIAN, COLLEGIATE LEVEL WRESTLER, COACH OR SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE SPORT OF WRESTLING THAT YOU WANT TO ASPIRE TO BE SOMEDAY?
PACKER – One college wrestler I look up to is Nick Suriano. I’ve always liked him because of his mentality to keep going till the whistle is blown.
WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN WRESTLING THAT APPLIES IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?
PACKER – Some of the lessons I’ve learned is to stay consistent every day and work hard.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG WRESTLER WANTING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING OR IN LIFE?
PACKER – You have to trust the process and find an amazing support group to help you through it.
WHAT OTHER GOALS DO YOU HAVE IN LIFE?
PACKER – Someday I would like to start a family and have my kids wrestle.
DO YOU HAVE A SAYING, MOTTO OR PHILOSOPHY THAT YOU LIVE BY?
PACKER – “What you put in is what you get out.”
ONCE YOU ARE DONE COMPETING IN WRESTLING, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO STAY INVOLVED?
PACKER – I would like to stay connected to wrestling when I’m out of college.
OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES, SPORTS, AND FAMILY FUNCTIONS DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
PACKER – I enjoy dirt biking on the sand dunes with my friends and family.
ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC PROFILE
SCHOOL: South Fremont High School (3A)
WRESTLING CLUB: Upper Valley Aces
GRADE: 12 (Class of 2024)
PROJECTED WEIGHT ’24: 132s
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Division II)
ACADEMIC ACCOLADES
- GPA: 3.7
- Advanced Placement – Mathematics
EXTRACURRICULAR
WRESTLING ACCOLADES
- Fargo Junior Greco-Roman Nationals – 5th Place, ‘23 (ALL-AMERICAN)
- Coach elementary and middle school aged kids at Upper Valley Aces WC
- Brian Keck Preseason Nationals – 5th Place, ‘23 (ALL-AMERICAN)
- Western States Preseason Championships – Champion, ‘23
- Idaho Junior Freestyle State Championships – 3rd Place, ‘23
- Idaho Junior Greco-Roman State Championships – 2nd Place, ‘23
- USA Folkstyle Nationals – 5th Place, ‘23 (ALL-AMERICAN)
- Idaho 3A State Championships – 2nd Place, ‘23
- IHSAA 3A District VI Champion, ’23
- Idaho 16U Freestyle State Championships – 3rd Place, ‘22
- Idaho 16U Greco-Roman State Championships – 2nd Place, ‘22
- USAW H.S. National Recruiting Showcase – 4th Place, ‘22 (ALL-AMERICAN)
- UWW 17U Greco-Roman World Team Trials – 8th Place, ’22 (ALL-AMERICAN)
- Idaho 3A State Championships – 3rd Place, ‘22
- IHSAA 3A District VI – 2nd Place, ‘22
- Fargo 16U Greco-Roman Nationals – 4th Place, ’21 (ALL-AMERICAN)
- UWW U15 Greco-Roman World Team Trials – 4th Place, ’21 (ALL-AMERICAN)
- Idaho 16U Freestyle State Championships – 3rd Place, ‘21
- Idaho 16U Greco-Roman State Championships – 3rd Place, ‘21
- USA Folkstyle Nationals – 2nd Place, ‘21 (ALL-AMERICAN)
- Idaho 3A State Championships – 2nd Place, ‘21
- IHSAA 3A District VI Champion, ’21
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