NIU 177-pounder Jim Kossakowski is ready to go all-out in his final season as a Huskie wrestler, and after redshirting last season due to a shoulder injury, he is determined to end his collegiate career with a trip to the NCAA Tournament and a chance to win the national title.

Kossakowski has had somewhat of a success story so far as a Huskie grappler, but failing to make the national tournament in his three years has been a disappointment to him.

For a wrestler to qualify for Nationals, one must win his weight class from the regional or finish as one of the top three. However, placing second in 1990 and 1991 in the Midwest Regionals was not good enough for the NCAA judges. Both years Kossakowski was slated as an alternate to go to Nationals at his respective weight class.

“I definitely feel I got cheated out of Nationals,” said Kossakowski. “But, I didn’t win the tournament, so, I knew in my heart that if you don’t win it, maybe you don’t deserve to go. I have no bad feelings about that. I just know I have to kick it up a step and win.”

Kicking it up is exactly what Kossakowski has been doing in the practice room. A year layoff may be just the medicine for the Huskie senior.

“Kossakowski had a good redshirt year, he got stronger and got over his injuries from the previous year,” said Huskie head coach Phil Rembert. “He’s working real hard building up his strength, and I expect to see him as one of the top athletes at 177 pounds.”

“This is it,” said a determined Kossakowski. “All my life I’ve wrestled, and this is my last chance to fulfill my dream of being a national champion.”