A little over a month ago, Wyoming All-American wrestler Jore Volk made a tough announcement on his Instagram.
“I am extremely saddened to announce that I will be taking a medical redshirt for the remainder of the season due to a season ending injury,” it said.
After a breakout freshman campaign followed by an incredible NCAA tournament run which earned him All-American honors in his sophomore year, Volk was poised to take the next step and win it all this season. That dream had to be put on hold however after an injury sidelined him for the rest of this year.
“It was a really hard thing to have to step away from competition,” said Volk. “I love competing and so that’s probably the hardest thing about it.”
With his last match coming this past November, Volk admitted that he’ll have a lot of time before he gets back to the mat in competition.
“I won’t compete again till next November,” he said. “That will be the longest period of my life that I’ve gone without wrestling.”
Even with the long road ahead before he competes again next season, Volk reflected on his team and especially head coach Mark Branch and the help that they have been to him.
“They fully supported my decision and they helped me make my decision,” he said. “I wouldn’t have ever made this decision on my own.”
Recovery is the number one priority for Volk, but he hopes to help the team in any way he can.
“I think the guys on our team look up to me because of what I did last year,” he said. “So I want to be able to give back as much as I can to the program for sure.”
Volk sees this as an opportunity, which is a mindset he expressed in his announcement and interview.
“Stepping away is something I wish I didn’t have to do, but I’m grateful for it,” he said. “I’m excited to wrestle healthy again.”
