Devin Skatzka didn’t have his first taste of freestyle until college, as he was busy year round as a four sport varsity athlete in high school.
In his limited exposure to freestyle while at Indiana University and the University of Minnesota, however, he impressed, making the U23 World Team Trials finals up a weight at 86 kg in 2019 and nabbing third at Senior Nationals in 2021 at 79 kg.
“I’m pretty new to freestyle, but I love it,” Skatzka said. “I’m so excited to learn more and I know I will in this environment.”
Skatzka was referring to his new home, at the Spartan Combat RTC, as a resident athlete.
“I’m super excited about what Mike Grey is building; the guys he’s putting together,” Skatzka said. “It’s a young group of not only great coaches but great workout partners too. Having Kyle Dake and a surplus of other great wrestling minds to surround myself with is exciting.”
He also felt comfortable in other ways when visiting Ithaca.
“I know it probably sounds cliche, but I saw the family atmosphere,” he said. “Coach Grey is there with his kids running around, and everyone is really tight knit. I’m also a big outdoors guy, so it seems like my kind of area.”
Skatzka fit well in the Big 10 also, where he excelled as a two-time All-American with the Golden Gophers. He won over 100 matches in college while placing four times in the conference and qualifying for the NCAA tournament each year.
He wrestled up at 86 kg during the Olympic year, but said 79 kg is the weight that best suits him.
“The first step for me is making a World Team, being at least top 3 at the weight,” he said. “It’s really about improving every time I compete. Now I have some of the best workout partners in the world to help me do that and I hope to help them just as much.”
Welcome to Ithaca, Devin Skatzka!