Written By Evelyn Megery (Ohio Northern)

Discipline and determination are two qualities that three-time All-American wrestler Jacob Reed possesses, allowing him to excel both on and off the wrestling mat. 

The Ohio Northern University senior has broken the school record for career-winning percentages, currently resting at .943 with an undefeated record of 18-0 at this point in the 2024-25 season. Reed’s impressive 134-7 overall record paired with placing at the NCAA III Championships two years in a row is a testament to the years of hard work he has put into strengthening his skills. 

Wrestling has always played a significant role in Reed’s life. As a wrestler from the small Ohio town of Canal Winchester, the charm of Ohio Northern’s rural campus paired with strong academics matched his ideal college experience perfectly. 

“I chose ONU because I really wanted to study engineering but I didn’t want a big school feel,” said Reed. “I wanted somewhere I could commit myself to wrestling and commit myself to my studies just as much.”

Throughout the years, wrestling has taught Reed valuable lessons in the importance of strong team dynamics and taking accountability of your actions. As an individual sport, Reed has acknowledged how critical it is that wrestlers maintain both discipline and motivation.

“[Wrestling] is a sport that you can’t blame anyone else in and everything that happens is up to you,”said Reed. “I love seeing myself and others grow in it and knowing it’s from their own work and not just a coincidence. My team has always had my back and it drives me to be the best wrestler I can be.”

While his athletic achievements are impressive, perhaps one of Reed’s greatest accomplishments at Ohio Northern is balancing his time as both an athlete and full-time student. ONU’s civil engineering program comes with a rigorous workload and high demands.  

“Balancing wrestling with academics can be hard,” Reed reflected. “There are plenty of late nights after practice at the engineering building. However, having people on the team who are committed both on the mat and in the classroom makes it really easy because we can hold each other accountable.”

Reed’s academic and athletic successes have been noticed by both his teammates and coaches. According to Head Wrestling Coach Ron Beaschler, Reed is the definition of what it means to be a student-athlete.

“Highly competitive on the athletic side and highly competitive on the academic side,” Beaschler wrote. “[Jacob] works hard to excel both in the classroom and on the wrestling mat.”

Jacob Reed has made a significant impact at Ohio Northern these past few years and is a phenomenal example of interdisciplinary success at the university. We are proud to recognize Reed as the OAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month and share his accomplishments with the athletic community.