Short brings more to mat than just a famous surname

Jake Short is on his way to becoming yet another instrumental family piece to Simley's wrestling program.

He and his teammates -- including his brother, Mack -- have sights on earning a fourth consecutive Class 2A team championship.

Grandpa Jim started the Spartans' wrestling program more than 40 years ago, and he watched four sons roll through the program and eventually wrestle at the University of Minnesota.

Jim now co-coaches the team with his son, Will Short -- who, all in one, is Jake's dad, biggest fan and toughest critic.

Jake, a sophomore, comes into the wrestling state tournament as Minnesota's top-ranked Class 2A wrestler at 140 pounds, a spot two weights above the 130-pound class he won last winter.

"Jake wrestles at 140 because it's what's best for the team, and he goes into each match with a full tank ready to go," said Will Short, pointing out that Jake is closer to 135 pounds. "Hopefully he can come out and do what he wants to do, but right now he isn't where he wants to be. He wants to win, but until he does that, how do you know if he's had a great year?"

Despite carrying an impressive 39 victories into this week -- including a pin over Apple Valley's Brandon Kingsley, the No. 1-ranked 140-pounder in 3A, in December -- Will and Jake agree that they have yet to see the perfect match.

Instead, his father gives Jake the most credit for handing pressure and stature with poise.

"He's been under the microscope since the day he first stepped on the mat," Will Short said. "He keeps things in perspective probably even better than we did when I was in high school. He's found a way to be who he is: a hard worker, and that's good enough."

It helps, too, that the kid thrives on such situations.

"I wrestle better under pressure," Jake Short said. "It drives me. I like it, and it can help."

Earning a second state championship in three tries -- he was fifth at 119 as an eighth-grader -- is hardly a given just because of his surname or past success.