Anderson inducted

• Jason Anderson

(Chris Aarhus / The Sun) Jamestown resident Jason Anderson, a native of Carrington, smiles as he receives his award from former coach Kelly Hagel on Saturday at the Fargodome.

Talk about it

FARGO — Jason Anderson makes a difference in someone’s life nearly every day.

Whether it’s at his job as a physical therapist in Jamestown or teaching the sport of wrestling in his spare time, Anderson makes an impact.

The Carrington native was recognized for his ability as well as his contributions to the sport, when he was inducted into the North Dakota wrestling hall of fame on Saturday, the final day of the combined state wrestling tournaments at the Fargodome.

“It’s just a great honor to be recognized for something that I’ve always just loved to do,” he said. “I’ve spent a lot of time at it throughout my life. It’s an honor to be with the group of people that are in the hall of fame.”

Anderson started his career in Carrington’s youth program and became a three-time state champion, winning at 140, 145 and 152, respectively, in his final three years. As a junior (1991) and senior (1992), he helped the Cardinals win state titles.

“I started in Carrington in the first grade, but I didn’t get serious till the fourth grade,” Anderson said. “(Carrington) had such a strong tradition there that I had three-time state champions to look up to. We traveled all over the Midwest. Wrestling was important in Carrington. That made it easier to be successful.”

Anderson continued his career at the University of North Dakota, placing sixth at the Division II nationals as a red-shirt freshman in 1994.

He currently helps out with Jamestown’s youth program as well as volunteering with the high school team.

Like many inductees, Anderson never believed he’d be inducted into the hall of fame.

“People told me this may happen, I just thought, ‘probably not,’” Anderson said. “This is a great honor. It doesn’t change me. I’m still the guy I am and the wrestler I was. It’s just a lot of fun to be inducted.”

Sun sports writer Chris Aarhus can be reached at (701) 952-8462 or by email at caarhus@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, carrington, wrestling