For those who don’t know Jon Reader, – which is a very minimal number – surely they remember the iconic picture (right) of him flexing in excitement as the blood seeped through the tape wrapped around his head after he won his NCAA title in 2011.
But that is in the past. Since then he has cleared leaps and bounds to become a force on the freestyle scene. Over the last two years, the adidas athlete was so close to a finals appearance at the US Open only to be stopped in his tracks by Keith Gavin in the semifinals both years.
“Last year I felt great in some of the matches, but I didn’t have a go-to attack and I wasn’t moving my feet,” Reader said. “I was working and training at a different weight class and I felt too bulky and slow.”
He was on a serious mission last year in Las Vegas as he shut out every single one of his opponents until Gavin stepped in his way for the second consecutive year in the semis.
“I’ve wrestled Gavin a ton over the years, not just in competitions, but when we go to camps we like to train together. So we know pretty much what each other’s go-to moves are,” said Reader. “It’s the little things. It really takes the little things and being prepared every match to beat this top guys.”
Now, this is a new year and he is certainly a new wrestler who is ready to showcase all the changes that have been made in preparation for this year’s tournament.
“My training has been really great,” he said. “We got back from Turkey and started a five week training cycle to get ready for the Open. My body feels better than it ever has and we are ready to compete.”
Becoming a new competitor was sparked by his new position as an assistant coach under Chris Bono at South Dakota State University.
“Being able to be on both sides of everything has helped me a lot,” commented Reader on his new position. “(I'm) in there perfecting techniques for these guys and it helps me at the same time. Its been an easy transition for me because (coach Bono) has given me the time to keep training and go on these tours and training camps. Its been a blessing.”
Bono served as an assistant coach at Iowa State for nine seasons, which included coaching Reader during his national title run. So the connection between the two made it a perfect fit, not just for the Jacks' wrestling team, but for Reader, who credits Bono for much of his success on the mat.
“I feel like being back with coach Bono has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career,” Reader said. “He was a big reason why I won a national title in college and getting back under his training is great. Following his plan has been great for me. ”
Becoming a part of the staff at SDSU has helped him to develop his mind as well as his game all through coaching. The view from the corner is truly different than being the dog in the fight and it has benefitted him tremendously.
“It’s like I’ve taken five steps forward with my new role. It’s made me a better competitor,” Reader said. “I’m stronger, I’ve leaned out, I feel different and I look different. I’m just excited to compete.
Only time will tell how far his adjustments will carry him at the US Open.