BILLINGS — Jace Rhodes is a tough guy.
A three-time Montana state wrestling champion, Rhodes earned a Division I scholarship to continue his career with the Wyoming Cowboys.
But this current version of Rhodes is actually the toned-down one. He started to even out about three years ago, with help from friends in low places.
“Especially sophomore year, right before my first finals match. The whole year, I would get really nervous and amped up before matches, so I’d listen to 90s country right before matches because it relaxed me,” Rhodes said. “I’d sit in a chair and just breathe, just listen to country music and try to relax, not think about anything.:”
It’s clearly working. Rhodes became just the second Billings West wrestler to win three state titles, joining current Bears coach Jeremy Hernandez.
But it wasn’t all wrestling in high school. Rhodes placed at state three times as a golfer and earned all-state and academic all-state honors in each sport with a 4.48 GPA while earning an ACT score of 30.
The Midland Roundtable will name their male and female athletes of the year at their banquet on May 15.
