Robbinsville junior revels in benchmark victory
Robbinsville – Henry Portela is a name that Robbinsville’s Jayden Nowell will never forget.
During the June 3 “Battle of the Knights” with Portela’s school, North Henderson, Nowell dominated from the opening whistle, coming away with an 8-1 nod that officially notched the 100th career win under Nowell’s belt.
Still in his junior season, Nowell was a state qualifier in the 126-pound weight class as a sophomore, finishing fourth. He was a state finalist his freshman year.
“It’s pretty cool to do this as a junior,” Nowell said. “Coach (Todd Odom) likes to get us as many matches as possible, so hats off to him for giving me so many chances.”
“Jayden has always had physical gifts,” Odom added. “He’s for certain athletically talented. This year, above all years – and I believe he’s proven this now – he’s got the ‘between the ears.’ He believes he’s the best in the state at his weight.”
Early attack
Even at a young age, Nowell knew he was right at home on a wrestling mat.
“I was six and my dad had seen a flyer for a wrestling camp in Andrews,” Nowell recalled. “He asked me if I wanted to do it, and I said I did. I watched some videos on wrestling, and it looked pretty cool.
“I was always into rough sports. Football. I played basketball, but it just wasn’t my thing. When I started wrestling, it just clicked with me.”
Nowell stuck with it, competing in the Far West youth program before joining the middle school Knights.
“There’s nothing like it,” Nowell said of wrestling for Robbinsville. “People look forward to coming here, just to watch us wrestle. We’re one of a kind.”
Present-day grind
Nowell is a perfect 20-0 this season – including a win over a 2A state champion, Zacharian Lewis (R-S Central) – as he enters the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament today, which is being held at Robbinsville High School. He does not plan to deter from the normal game plan.
“I look to keep an aggressive style and trust in my training regimen,” said Nowell.
“He’s poised to make a deep run and be on the podium (at the state tournament), for sure,” Odom predicted.
Renowned for his mat prowess and ability to adapt as necessary, Nowell has wrestled at both 126 and 132 pounds this season.
“Wherever they need me,” Nowell said.