Canby Wrestling Pins Hopes on Doman

Jackson Doman is not your average looking high school wrestler. At 6 foot 5, 205 pounds, the fleet-footed athlete stands tall on the mats, where he has become a dominating force for the Canby Cougars this year.

He may look more at home playing tight end for the Canby football team, which he does in the fall. But the two-sport star has learned to use his size, quickness and speed to his advantage in taking down wrestling opponents.

“He’s pretty dominant,” Canby Wrestling Coach Brandon Harms said. “He’s pinned most everyone he’s faced.”

With a 31–0 record through January, Doman is the only Cougar still undefeated midway through the season. He recently won the Reser’s Tournament of Champions 215-pound class title by defeating the defending state 5-A champion.

“It was a tough match,” Doman said of the 5–1 decision over Cole Langdon of Dallas. “He’s a really big super-strong guy. I just used my length and my technique just enough and got the W.”

The majority of Doman’s victories this year have been pins. In fact, he had scored 16 pins heading into the Tournament of Champions.

“He’s really unique because he’s really tall,” Harms said. “He uses his leverage really well but he’s also able to wrestle like a little guy. He’s fleet footed so he can do lower leg attacks and he’s pretty successful at it, which you don’t see in a lot of big guys. He’s unusually talented.”

Harms has high hopes for Doman in the state championship tournament. “He should definitely be in contention for the state title,” Harms said. “I absolutely think he has a chance to win it all.”

Last year, Doman took second place in the district and sixth in the state tournament. This year, he is confident he will win the state title. “I’ve pinned almost all of my opponents,” Doman said. “I think I will win the state championship.”

Growing up in a large Mormon family of nine, with six siblings, not to mention cousins and other relatives, there was no lack of family and friends for backyard football and other games. Jackson isn’t the first (and likely won’t be the last) Doman to go through Canby High sports programs.

“Ever since I was little, I’ve been super competitive with the whole family,” Jackson said. “The Domans are pretty decent at sports, and athletic cousins and friends played backyard football and wrestled around.”

Spending summers doing hard work on the family farm and strong support from his family have played as much a part in Jackson’s success as talent. Doman credits his father, Scott Doman, for teaching him one of his best moves on the mat. He calls it the underhook.

“Since I’m wrestling bigger guys, 215-pounders and I’m not quite 215 yet, I’m quicker on my feet and I can take low shots, quick shots and catch them off guard.” Doman said. “Also I use my underhook to almost lift them off the mat and then set them down. It’s actually a pretty good move.”

His exceptional exploits on the football field have already grabbed the attention of recruiters. After attending a camp in Utah, he was offered a football scholarship from Brigham Young University, but wants to weigh all his options before making a decision when the time comes.

Football is Doman’s No. 1 sport. Last year, he had seven touchdown receptions and played on both sides of the ball — tight end/wide receiver on offense and outside linebacker on defense. He said he is looking forward to playing his senior year with quarterback Kellen Oliver.

“He’s a hard worker and a good guy,” Doman said. “I love to throw with him. I’m excited for this year to hopefully put up some good yards and some points and go far in the playoffs.”

Doman said he thanks all his friends and family who have pushed him to try to improve as an athlete. “Thank you to everyone who pushed me to be better, my dad especially,” Doman said. “He’s always been there and just tried to help me get better.”

 

Harms said the whole Doman family deserves credit for their support of Jackson and his work ethic. “He works hard,” Harms said. “The whole family helps him prepare so he’s always got a workout partner at home. He’s not just contained to the mat room when it comes to getting better.”

“I try to take leadership and encourage people because wrestling is such a hard mind game,” Doman said.