GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – A lifelong dedication to the sport has led Jed Campos to this juncture in his life–officially committing to Cal Poly State University Wrestling program.

Campos began his wrestling career at age 8, competing on Gridley’s youth team. The short program left Campos craving for more time on the mat, so he began traveling to Loomis to compete with a year-round club–USA Gold. It was there that his passion for the sport ignited. Campos eventually made the tough decision to transfer out of Gridley school system in order to continue his training with his USA Gold coaches at Del Oro High School, well known for its division 1 wrestling program.

The ambitious Del Oro senior commuted over 2 hours daily from Gridley to Loomis to attend practices and conditioning before and after school, all while maintaining a 3.875 GPA at the college prep school. The sacrifices and commitments made by both the senior and his family have been tough. Of his level of dedication, mother Arin Campos says, “He’s taken the hard road. We live across the street from the high school and he could have dominated at Gridley…But he knew what he needed to do to get where he is right now and he made that commitment.”

Although the 2020 wrestling season was cut short, Campos has been able to compile a list of impressive accomplishments, including 2 Sierra Foothill League Championships, the San Joaquin Section Masters Championship (the largest section in California with 101 schools) and placing 5^th at State Championships in February as a junior, where he wrestled at 152 lbs. It was at State that Cal Poly recruiters got a good look at what this devoted athlete can do on the mat and Campos cemented his future at the University.

On November 11, 2020, Campos committed to an athletic Scholarship to Cal Poly Division 1 wrestling where he will redshirt for the first year. The signing was completely virtual and lacked the pomp and circumstance that surround most commitments. Campos now has the distinction of being one of only 2 athletes recruited by Cal Poly for the 2021 wrestling team and part of the elite 1 percent of wrestlers that make the jump from high school to NCAA Division 1 competition, according to stats provided by NCAA Research.

“First, it’s a big relief,” says Campos of his signing. “Cal Poly - knowing they’re gonna have my back, is a big deal to me.” He feels he can finally relax now that his college future is locked in and turn his focus back to the sport. He hopes to finish his Senior year with a late wrestling season from April to June and compete at State before immediately beginning his 2021 season at Cal Poly.

The mat-man admits his excitement to compete at Cal Poly and his true passion for the sport. What is it that he loves so much about wrestling? “The competition,” says Campos, “It’s all that you put into it. It’s not someone else’s good day and you benefit from it. It’s you – you putting the work and you’ve deserved what you get.” This athlete’s record and determination to be the best proves it. He says, “You know, getting your hand raised, especially at State…the crowd is, everyone’s cheering you on. Winning on the mat is a feeling like no other.”

Campos continues to set the bar high for himself, his goal at Cal Poly is to place in the NCAA tournament and become an All American Athlete in college: “Being an All American in college is a big deal… My coach says he will pay for my whole education if I were to place, so that’s my goal!”

In addition to his incredibly supportive family, Campos wanted to thank his Coach Dave Lorenzo: “He taught me everything I know- from basics to the little techniques, to just the mindset of wrestling.”

This incredibly young man stands to do just as well in life as his does on the mat and hopes to inspire others working towards their dreams that it can be done, even during COVID, if you put in the work.