Rivalry Takes Root In Big Ten Two Wrestlers From Neighboring North Idaho Towns Among Ncaa’s Best

One of the toughest and deepest weight classes in NCAA Division I wrestling features two of the best preps in North Idaho history.

Until this season, Zac Taylor of Sandpoint and Kole Clauson of Lakeland had never wrestled. But a rivalry had been brewing long before the two squared off.

Clauson was a freshman in high school at 140 pounds when Taylor (160) was capping a stellar prep career with a third consecutive state championship.

In their first match at an early season tournament in November, Taylor, a sixth-year senior at the University of Minnesota, schooled Clauson, beating the redshirt sophomore at Wisconsin 14-5 at 167 pounds in the semifinals of the Northern Open at Wisconsin. Taylor won the title while Clauson dropped out on an injury default following the loss.

“It was devastating; I wasn’t mentally prepared,” Clauson said. “He’s got a good duck-under move. He got that on me and rode me with a tight waist. I had a hard time getting away from him. He took all the life out of me.”

Clauson discovered the cliche about revenge is true. It’s even tastier when it’s against an icon - somebody he respected growing up, but doesn’t like.

He upset Taylor 5-4 in a dual last weekend at Madison, Wis.

Taylor took a 2-0 lead with a takedown in the rematch.

“I stood up right away and got away from him,” Clauson said.

But Clauson, 3 inches shorter than Taylor, trailed 4-3 going into the third period. With 22 seconds left, he scored a takedown and rode Taylor the final seconds.

Why was Clauson so pumped to beat Taylor?

“It’s a personal vendetta,” Clauson explained. “I’ve tried to be friendly, but he’s always given me a cold shoulder. He and his dad think they’re in a league of their own. It started back when I was younger. I was about 11 and I called them to ask for a ride to a wrestling camp. They said they were too busy.”

As Clauson celebrated, he pointed to Zac’s dad, Dan, who was at the match.

Zac Taylor doesn’t know of any basis for Clauson’s claims.

“I don’t know him. We’ve never crossed paths until this year,” Taylor said. “We’re from different towns, and we didn’t wrestle in high school at the same time. We’ve never been around each other.

“It’s a competitive sport,” Taylor added. “I usually don’t talk to my competitors.”

Clauson knows the Taylors will read this story. Clauson and Taylor could meet again at the Big Ten championships in March.

“He’s going to be coming for me, I’m sure,” Clauson said. “I’m sure I’m giving him some ammunition. But he’s given me so much over the years it doesn’t matter.”

In the InterMat national rankings prior to the rematch, Taylor was rated fifth and Clauson ninth.

In rankings released this week, Clauson moved to fifth and Taylor slipped to sixth. Seven other Big Ten wrestlers were ranked in the top 20.

The top-ranked wrestler at 167 is two-time national champion Joe Williams of Iowa. Taylor has lost twice to Williams, 5-3 and 6-5, and Clauson has lost once, 6-2.

Through matches last weekend, Taylor is 23-5 and Clauson is 15-5.

Clauson fell to unbeaten and second-ranked Mark Smith of Oklahoma State 6-3 in a dual Saturday at Stillwater, Okla. Smith is the youngest brother of the famous Smith brothers (John and Pat).

Last year, Clauson finished fourth at 158 in the Big Ten championships, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. But Wisconsin suspended Clauson as discipline for his involvement in a fight with a student earlier in the year.

Clauson was charged with substantial battery. He spent 30 days in jail last summer and attended anger assessment classes.

“I’m reformed,” he said. “I do my aggression on the mat. It was unfortunate. It’s something that I’m glad is over.”

Clauson’s goal this season is to be an All-American. He’ll have to place in the top eight at the NCAAs.

To that end, Clauson may have to face Taylor again.

“I’ll be inspired every time I wrestle him,” Clauson said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo