Jackson's Rouse heads to Fargo with All-American hopes

Cody Rouse has finished third and second the past two years at the state wrestling finals.

Rouse now is ready to find out if the work he has put in since the season ended will pay off in All-American honors.

Rouse is a member of Team Missouri, competing this week at the National Junior Cadet Finals in Fargo, N.D. Rouse, who qualified for the event by winning the regional meet in April, is wrestling at 152 pounds in the Greco-Roman style. The event began Saturday and concludes Tuesday.

"It's been a lifelong goal to be an All-American," Rouse said. "That's my goal."

The top eight finishers earn All-American status. Rouse just finished out of the top eight in freestyle competition two years ago and did not compete in the national finals last year.

While Rouse competes in the Greco-Roman style only during the offseason, he said he prefers it to freestyle. In Greco-Roman, a wrestler cannot attack the legs of an opponent.

"It came a lot easier for me," Rouse said.

The summer did not start well for Rouse, who broke a rib competing in the freestyle regionals. After taking some time off, Rouse is primed for a chance to reach the medal rounds this week.

The national tournament gives Rouse a chance to compete against some of the top wrestlers in the country. It will also give the Jackson senior some national exposure.

"There's college scouts; everyone you want to get noticed by will be there," Rouse said.

With a good showing in Fargo and another strong high school campaign in 2004-05, Rouse just might find his wrestling career extended four more years.

"That'd be nice, to go to a D-I and wrestle for them," Rouse said.