Imagine coming so close to realizing your dream only to have it slip away from you at the very last moment.

Senior wrestler Jake Swartz had that experience last season at the NCAA National Tournament. He was just one mere match away from realizing his dream of being an All-American.

“Coming up short last year was the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with in my life,†Swartz said. “That’s one of the things that has pushed me so much this year and really give it my all.â€

Despite coming up short last season, Swartz has not let that deter him this season.

“I haven’t reached my goal yet of being an All-American,†Swartz said. “That is the one thing I strive for and if I can finish with that, the whole thing will be worth it.â€

Swartz has gone an impressive 13-1 this season for the Broncos and is currently the sixth ranked wrestler in the nation at 184 pounds.

Swartz is also fresh off his staggering third straight Pac-12 Championship and has his sights set on the NCAA National Championships.

J.T. Felix and Swartz were the only two Broncos to win individual titles at the Pac-12 Championships.

“Ever since I was 4 years old and knew what a national championship was I have wanted to be an All-American,†Swartz said. “It’s my dream.â€

 Wrestling runs in his family. To say wrestling has been a big part of his life would be an understatement.

“I have been wrestling for almost 20 years now,†Swartz said. “My dad was a wrestler and ever since I could walk I was watching my brothers wrestle.â€

Swartz started wrestling when he was just a kid but high school is when his love for the sport really picked up.

The hard work, dedication, and success Swartz has brought to program has meant a lot to everyone around him.

“He is good for our young wrestlers to look up at see this how you do it,†head coach Greg Randall said. “An outstanding wrestler that you couldn’t ask anything more of and I hope he goes out a winner.â€

Swartz is not only dedicated to wrestling, but to being a great student.

“He is really an outstanding student,†Randall said. “He is reliable and I have never once had to worry about his grades or if he would be at practice.â€

Swartz is going to miss wrestling as it has been a big part of his life for so long.

“I will miss the hard work,†Swartz said. “Wrestling is such a demanding sport and you have to put (in) a lot of time in and not having that will be a weird transition.â€

He has truly treasured his time as a Bronco and couldn’t imagine wrestling any place else.

“I wouldn’t trade my time here at Boise State for the world,†Swartz said. “I met great friends and have had great coaches and it’s been a great experience on and off the mat.â€