About Us
Our Mission at JARO Wrestling Academy is to empower and inspire aspiring wrestlers to achieve their full potential both on and off the mat. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship. Through expert coaching, personalized wrestling training programs, and a supportive wrestling community, we aim to develop not just skilled athletes but also confident, disciplined individuals who embody the values of hard work and dedication. At JARO, we believe in shaping champions, not just in wrestling, but in life.
Our Story
JARO, meaning "Fierce Warrior," holds profound significance for us, representing not just a name but a tribute to two remarkable individuals in the wrestling community.
The JA in JARO is a heartfelt homage to Jacquie Levesseur, Coach Marcus's beloved mother. Jacquie, a dedicated mom to four children, stood as Marcus's biggest cheerleader, offering unwavering support matside. Her active involvement in refereeing matches and managing tournaments showcased her boundless encouragement and love for wrestling. JARO embodies the passion, dedication, and love for the sport that Jacquie brought to every match and every wrestler she encountered.
The RO in JARO pays tribute to Rodney Wichern, Coach Jeff's esteemed father, whose legacy is deeply intertwined with youth wrestling in Minnesota. Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Rodney received the first MNUSA Coach of the Year award in 1990, later renamed the "Rodney Wichern" MNUSA Coach of the Year in his honor. Rodney's 25 years of coaching at Minneapolis Wrestling Club and Powderhorn Park left an indelible mark on countless young wrestlers, fostering City Championships, State Placewinners, State Championships, and National Championships. JARO commemorates Rodney Wichern's invaluable role in shaping the youth wrestling landscape and nurturing the growth of champions.
The JARO Difference
Experience the JARO Difference – where commitment, passion, and innovation converge to shape champions on and off the mat.
- Individualized Coaching: We understand that each wrestler is unique, and our wrestling coaches tailor their guidance to unlock the full potential of every athlete.
- Holistic Development: Beyond technical skills, we are committed to nurturing the holistic development of our wrestlers, focusing on character, resilience, and life skills.
- Innovative Training Methods: We stay at the forefront of wrestling training, incorporating innovative methods to keep our athletes ahead of the competition.
- Passionate Community: JARO is not just a training facility; it's a community of passionate individuals dedicated to the sport and each other's success.
- Proven Results: Our track record speaks for itself. JARO wrestlers consistently achieve success at various levels of competition, showcasing the effectiveness of our training approach.
- Culture of Excellence: We instill a culture of excellence, pushing boundaries and inspiring our athletes to reach new heights in their wrestling journeys.
Our Values
Our core values are the foundation of our commitment to excellence in both athletics and character development. We embrace:
Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct in every aspect of our training and competition.
Resilience: We believe in the power of overcoming challenges, bouncing back from setbacks, and continually pushing our limits to achieve success.
Teamwork: We foster a supportive and collaborative environment where athletes, coaches, and staff work together to achieve common goals.
Discipline: We instill a strong work ethic, focus, and self-control to cultivate the discipline needed for success on and off the wrestling mat.
Respect: We treat everyone with dignity, courtesy, and consideration, recognizing the diversity of our community and valuing each individual.
Continuous Improvement: We are dedicated to constant learning and growth, seeking opportunities to refine our skills, strategies, and overall performance.
These values guide our actions, shape our culture, and define the character of the athletes who proudly represent JARO Wrestling Academy.
Meet The JARO Founders
Marcus LeVesseur
Technician & Tournaments
Meet Coach Marcus, a dedicated father to youth wrestler Leila and a highly accomplished figure in the wrestling community. With a remarkable coaching background, Marcus holds an impressive record as a 3-time HS Team State Champ Coach and a 13-time HS Individual State Champ Coach. Beyond coaching, Marcus achieved historic milestones, including induction into the NWCA Division III Wrestling Hall of Fame.
In 2007, Marcus LeVesseur made history as the second NCAA wrestler to complete an unbeaten and untied career, going 155-0 with four individual national championships. He was the first NCAA Division III wrestler to win four titles, showcasing excellence at 157 pounds in 2003, 2004, and 2005, and at 165 pounds in 2007. Marcus's 155 victories place him among the few unbeaten careers in college wrestling history.
A versatile athlete, Marcus earned four All-America honors and contributed to Augsburg teams winning NCAA Division III national titles in 2005 and 2007. In high school, he achieved four state championships, concluding with a 218-12 record and a 141-match unbeaten streak.
Beyond wrestling, Marcus displayed versatility by playing football for Augsburg, earning All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference first-team honors in 2004. Transitioning to mixed martial arts, he achieved a 22-7 professional record.
For the past decade, Marcus has dedicated himself to high school wrestling coaching, achieving notable success, including leading Shakopee to the Minnesota Class 3A state title in 2021. In 2022, he became the head coach at Eden Prairie High School, continuing to inspire and shape the next generation of wrestlers. Join us in celebrating Marcus's exceptional journey and acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the wrestling community at JARO Wrestling Academy.
Jeff Wichern
Registration & Operations
Meet Coach Jeff, the proud father of tiny tot wrestler Mack Wichern, and a distinguished wrestling enthusiast with an impressive coaching background spanning over 25 years. A Minneapolis Roosevelt High School alum and Augsburg University attendee, Jeff achieved notable success as a 3-time State Qualifier with 133 career wins, securing the title of 5-time Minneapolis City Conference Champion.
Coach Jeff brings a wealth of experience, excelling both as a high school wrestler and an accomplished coach. His coaching journey includes serving as an assistant to Gopher great Billy Pierce at Edison High School, where he guided eight high school wrestlers to state titles, fourteen to state place wins, and coached five national champions and ten college All-Americans. Currently, he serves as the head coach at Eden Prairie Youth Wrestling.
Jeff's dedication extends nationally, having served as a USA Team Coach for the Dapper River Classic in Pennsylvania. With significant involvement in the Minneapolis Wrestling Club, Richfield/Edina Wrestling Club, Eden Prairie Wrestling, and as the founder of JJ Trained Wrestling School, Jeff has profoundly impacted the wrestling community. In 2015, while coaching Eden Prairie, his team earned a notable #10 ranking in the country at Folkstyle MNUSA Nationals.
A family legacy, Jeff's commitment to wrestling continues; his late father, Rodney Wichern, founded the Minneapolis Wrestling Club, producing 7 state champions and 14 place winners in 10 years. Jeff's coaching influence extends to personal coaching for notable wrestlers like 4-time Minnesota HS State Champion Marcus Levesseur and 2-time State Champion Terrance Young. Join us at JARO Wrestling Academy, where we benefit from Jeff's extensive experience and unwavering passion, shaping the future of wrestling.
Nechia LeVesseur
Finance & Apparel
Meet Nechia, a devoted mom to youth wrestler Leila with a passion for growing girls wrestling in Minnesota. With over 20 years of experience in finance, Nechia is our meticulous guardian, ensuring we dot our i's and cross our t's. Her analytical mindset is a guiding force as she continuously refines and improves our year-round offerings. Nechia's roots in the wrestling community run deep; she grew up as a wrestling manager at Hopkins High School where her brothers wrestled and her dad coached. She continued managing when she went to Augsburg University and was part of the NCAA Division III national title teams in 2005 and 2007 alongside Marcus. She remains actively involved with MSHSL wrestling and has worked at the state tournament as a tableworker since 2008. In 2023 she started announcing for the girls state tournament, so listen for her if you're at the Xcel Center. Her passion for the sport, coupled with financial expertise, brings a valuable perspective to our team, ensuring excellence in every aspect of our program. Join us as Nechia contributes her wealth of experience to elevate the wrestling experience for all involved.
Amanda Wichern
Marketing & Communications
Meet Amanda, a remarkable mom of three boys. Zack and Jake have successfully journeyed through the wrestling program from kindergarten to high school, showcasing Amanda's commitment to the wrestling community. Now, with her youngest, Mack, starting his wrestling career as a tiny tot, Amanda is embarking on a fresh chapter in the wrestling world. Drawing from over 10 years of wrestling experience, where she excelled in managing operations and marketing for various wrestling clubs, Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. By day, Amanda leverages her extensive 20 years of technology and business strategy experience, seamlessly intersecting it with wrestling. This fusion defines her holistic approach to challenges, blending precision and strategic thinking to ensure the best off-the-mat experience for everyone involved. Join us as Amanda enriches our team with her passion, expertise, and dedication.
Join the JARO Wrestling Community
Experience the JARO Culture with a Trial Wrestling Practice