While Westmoreland County has produced a bevy of outstanding wrestlers, very few have captured team titles at both the high school and NCAA Division I levels. Jarod Verkleeren achieved that feat, winning WPIAL gold at Belle Vernon Area and the NCAA Championship with Penn State. He also claimed an individual state title during his senior season at Hempfield Area. Verkleeren is the latest feature on the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Verkleeren spent the first three years of his high-school career with Belle Vernon Area, beginning as a freshman in 2013-14. That season, he compiled a record of 21-6. Competing at 145 pounds, Verkleeren captured the WPIAL Class AAA Section 2 individual title, and finished third in the WPIAL Tournament. As a result, he qualified for the PIAA competition, but failed to place.

In 2014-15, Verkleeren improved to 46-7, once again winning the section at 145. In the WPIAL Class AAA Tournament, he fell in the final to Franklin Regional’s Michael Kemerer. Verkleeren rebounded in the state competition, however, placing fourth.

As a junior, Verkleeren went 23-1, but did not compete in the individual postseason tournaments. He was a key component for the Leopards’ run to the first team title in program history, as BVA bested Canon-McMillan 42-18 to claim the WPIAL Class AAA Championship.

Verkleeren transferred to Hempfield Area for his senior year, where he captured more gold. Despite an injury, Verkleeren went 25-1 with the Spartans. He claimed another section title, and then defeated Kiski Area’s Joey Blumer 9-4 to secure the WPIAL Class AAA individual title at 145. In the PIAA competition, Verkleeren overmatched Brock Port of Bellefonte to win state gold. He concluded his high-school career with a combined record of 115-15.

Although he initially committed to Iowa State, Verkleeren signed with Penn State to continue his college career, joining the Nittany Lions for the 2017-18 season. Although he redshirted at 149 pounds, he wrestled unattached and posted a mark of 9-2.

As a redshirt freshman and split starter, Verkleeren went 15-6, including four pins, and posted a record of 5-2 in dual meets. The Nittany Lions went 14-0 that season, including 9-0 in the Big Ten Conference. In the conference tournament, Penn State took first with a team score of 157.5. In the NCAA Championship, PSU posted a team score of 137.5 to capture the national title.

Verkleeren became the full-time starter in 2019-20, and amassed a record of 17-8, including one pin. Competing individually for the first time at the Big Ten Tournament, Verkleeren went 2-2, earning a berth for the NCAA Championship competition. However, that event was cancelled as a result of COVID. Penn State finished the season with a mark of 12-2, including 8-1 in the Big Ten, and finished fourth at the conference tournament.

During the 2020-21 season, Verkleeren competed in just one match with the Nittany Lions, who went 6-0 with a conference-only schedule. Penn State finished second in the Big Ten Tournament, and also finished as the runner up in the NCAA Tournament.

Following the spring semester, Verkleeren transferred to the University of Virginia. In his first season with the Cavaliers, he’s posted a mark of 16-5, including 4-2 in dual meets. To this point, UVA is 3-4 overall, including 0-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Jarod took time from his schedule to respond to questions about his favorite moment during his time at Penn State, his connection with Hempfield Area wrestling, and the advice he’d give himself as a high-school freshman.

Q: You are on your way to establishing a career high in wins this season. What have been the biggest factors in your success in 2021-22?

A: God, my coaches, my wife, my family, my past experiences, and my dog Pistachio.

Q: How have you improved as a wrestler throughout your time in college?

A: I’ve learned a lot about the sport of wrestling, both physically and mentally. I’ve been coached by the greats of the sport and have had my ups and downs throughout my career, but have continued on the path I set out to accomplish. At the end of the day, whether I win or lose, I will go back to my wife and dog and continue on with my life knowing I gave my best.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as relaxed and someone who fights for every point.

Q: What team and individual goals did you set for this season?

A: My goal this season was to just have fun. I realize I won’t be wrestling forever and want to make the most of the time I have left in this sport.

Q: What was your favorite moment during your time at Penn State?

A: The Ohio State vs Penn State match when it came down to the last match. My brother-in-law Nick Nevills took down an Olympic and World Gold medalist twice to fend him off and give us the win.

Q: What led to your decision to transfer to Virginia?

A: It was a lot of prayer. My wife and I prayed about it and God gave us the answer. The coaches are awesome and create a fun environment to be a part of.

Q: Outside of wrestling, what has been the biggest adjustment to your new school?

A: I just recently got married to my wife Madelynn in May. So far, we have enjoyed the married life and can’t wait for many more years of it.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: I’m getting my master’s degree in education. I have a degree from PSU in health administration as a backup, as well. I see myself getting involved in real estate - investing in the future - and coaching wrestling is also a possibility.

Q: In high school, you competed in a very accomplished wrestling area in Western Pennsylvania. How did that benefit your career?

A: PA wrestling is very deep and taught me how to compete against top opponents.

Q: What was your fondest memory at Hempfield Area?

A: Winning the state title. It was a goal I had from a young age and was no easy task.

Q: Do you keep in touch with former teammates and coaches at Hempfield Area, and still follow the Spartans wrestling team?

A: I recently ran a practice there in December around Christmas and wrestled around with my younger cousin, Lucas Kapusta. He should be making a run at a state title in the future, as well as my younger cousin, Nico. So yes, I follow the program and my cousin’s career there.

Q: If you could compete against anyone past or present, who would you choose? What would be the outcome?

A: I would compete against Randy Lewis, who was an Olympic Gold medalist in 1984. He was very fun to watch. And I’d like to think it would be a very fun match to watch.

Q: Do you have any rituals or superstitions before, during, or after a match?

A: I just bounce back and forth staying warm before I head out to wrestle.

Q: To which movie or TV show can you recite nearly every line?

A: I’m bad at movies word for word, but if I had to pick, it would be the Rocky movies.

Q: What advice would you give yourself as a high school freshman?

A: I would tell myself to just enjoy every second, work hard, and not take yourself so seriously. At the end of the day, you should want to give your best to glorify God and the abilities that he gave you. As a side note, I want to be an example for other kids with Type 1 diabetes. I want them to know they can accomplish every goal they set in this sport and life in general.