|
Previous Tier One Entries:
Mack Mauger, Blackfoot
Aden Attao, Borah
Dedrick Navarro, Nampa
Tanner Frothinger, Eagle
Jaxton Packer, South Fremont
Hoyt Hvass, Lewiston
Hudson Rogers, Meridian
Boden Banta, South Fremont
In my TIER ONE series, the next wrestler introduced is Ivan Ivanov, Jr. of Eagle, Idaho. Hailing from a globally recognized wrestling family, and the son of Olympian and World Silver medalist Ivan Ivanov, Sr., the founder of Suples, Ivan, Jr. is forging his own path towards international Greco-Roman excellence, having already established himself among the nation's top tier young wrestlers.
Given his father's role running the Suples business in Boise and coaching one of the country's most respected Greco clubs, it was almost guaranteed that Ivan would try wrestling from an early age. Ivan's immersion in wrestling began as soon as he could walk, spending countless hours with his father at the Suples Wrestling Facility and making his competitive debut in the greater Boise metro by age five. Captivated by the experience, Ivan dedicated himself fully, earning numerous accolades from local, state, regional, and national kid's level competitions.
For Ivan, achieving success in wrestling, both domestically and internationally, demanded not only complete commitment to the sport itself but also the unwavering resolve to compete against the best, a lesson learned early on from his father's dedication that propelled him to numerous victories across all levels of youth competition. Ivan's competitions have spanned seven states, including Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Dakota, in addition to international events in Estonia, the Netherlands, Norway, Japan, India, and his family’s native country, Bulgaria.
Early success is not a guarantee of future accomplishments, as advancing to higher levels of competition demands increased dedication, adaptability, and refinement of skill sets. As Ivan progresses through age group competitions, he finds himself consistently making adjustments to more advanced positioning and technique. Having competed in Europe's top tier Greco tournaments, Ivan has made considerable progress in honing his wrestling technique and overall ability. For instance, Ivan has demonstrated remarkable prowess since 2023, consistently winning every major competition he has entered, including the Ivo Angelov International Cup in Pernik, Bulgaria, the Kolbotn Cup (Norway), and the prestigious Tallinn Open in Estonia. On top of that, he was also recognized as Outstanding Wrestler (OW) at the Ivo Angelov competition.
Ivan has consistently excelled in domestic wrestling, most notably securing his second consecutive 16U Greco-Roman Fargo Nationals title this past month and, remarkably, becoming the first to receive the OW award twice in the division. Achieving this feat was made even more challenging by a major hurdle: Ivan's preparations for the Fargo Nationals were unexpectedly interrupted by serious injuries three months before the competition, reducing his training window to a mere thirty days. Ivan found inspiration in Tommy Lasorda's words during this time: “The difference between the impossible and possible lies in the person’s determination.”
Ivan's swift accomplishments stem from a compelling mix of personal qualities – hard work, focus, and dedication to excellence – along with his receptiveness to the "Suples Training Systems" instilled by his father, his greatest influence. The Suples Training Systems combine world-class wrestling instruction with unique equipment like the Bulgarian Bag and Suples throwing dummies to provide versatile functional training. The system aims to sharpen technical skills while building strength, conditioning, muscular endurance, and isometric strength. The Suples Wrestling Club cultivates elite athletes, evidenced by recent international medal victories at the Pan American and age-group world championships, including those earned by Jadon Skellenger (U15 World Champion), Aden Attao (2x U20 World Bronze), Marissa Jimenez (Cadet Pan Am Gold), and Devin Garcia, a rising youth multi-national champion.
To gain insight into Ivan's wrestling career, goals, and interests beyond his training regimen, a recent connection was made with him at the Suples Training Facility. Ivan emphasized the significance of consistency, never missing a practice, and embracing the process throughout each level. Fresh off his second Fargo championship and OW honors, Ivan is setting his sights on not only winning titles at the junior level, but more importantly, earning a place on the U17 World Team and securing a gold medal. His ultimate ambition is to someday to become a World and Olympian Champion in Greco-Roman Wrestling.
“I base my training regimin on being consistent, never missing practice, and committing to the process.” – Ivan Ivanov, Jr.
While he is on track to meet the challenge, achieving it demands that he overcomes strong competition and adversity while steadfastly following the process. I encourage him to follow his dreams and continue embracing the well proven process at Suples that for decades has proven positive.
Ivan thrives not only in wrestling but also in his personal life, cherishing family and friends and relaxing with hobbies such as golf and snowboarding. The opportunity to engage in a meaningful discussion with him about wrestling, life, hobbies, aspirations, and his long-term vision was valued. All the best is wished to him as he moves forward. His progress to the next level and beyond is anticipated. He is wholeheartedly encouraged to chase his World and Olympic Gold aspirations, continue developing in the sport he loves, and embrace all future challenges. BELIEVE IN YOUR DREAMS!
A CLOSER LOOK AT IVAN IVANOV, JR.
HIGH SCHOOL: Eagle H.S.
GRADE: Junior (Class of 2027)
CLUB: Suples Wrestling Club, Boise, ID
WEIGHT: 175 (79kg)
HOBBIES: Golf and Snowboarding
ACCOLADES (16U LEVEL):
- Fargo 16U National Greco Champion (OW), 2025
- Kolbotn Cup in Norway – Greco Gold medalist, 2025
- Tallinn Open in Estonia – Greco Gold medalist, 2025
- Fargo 16U National Greco Champion (OW), 2024
- USA Wrestling Western Regional 16U Greco Champion, 2024
- Idaho Greco-Roman 16U State Greco Champion, 2024
- USAW Northwest 16U Regional Greco Champion, 2024
- US Open U15 National Greco Champion, 2024
- Idaho 5A State H.S. Championships – 5th Place, 2024
- Ivo Angelov International Cup in Bulgaria – Greco Gold medalist (OW), 2023
|