Libby Legend

“The Man. The Myth. The Legend,” these are the words used by Libby wrestling coach Dean Thompson when describing senior Jace DeShazer.

DeShazer sits at 35-0 this season with the Loggers, looking to win his third consecutive state championship. Twenty-five of his victories this season have come via pin.

“The undefeated season is there and I need to just focus up,” said DeShazer.

“Jace is a leader,” Thompson said. “He sets a good example, and is a hard worker.”

Hard work has helped DeShazer to a 146-14 record in his high school career. These stats alone seem mythical.

Then there are the championships, DeShazer is a two-time state champion already, with titles at 182 pounds in 2022 and 205 pounds in 2023. 

“It's a feeling that I don't think I will ever have with anything else,” DeShazer said. “The first time was a lot more of a realization, I accomplished what I was trying to accomplish.”

Off the mat DeShazer found a home on the football field for the Loggers, earning Class A All-State honors in the fall as a linebacker.

The DeShazer name has been in Libby for generations. Jace’s grandfather Jack owns a realty company, but prior to that his father Doug played football during his time as a Logger.

Doug DeShazer played a major role in his youth wrestling career, bringing him all over the region to develop his skills.

“My dad was almost 100 percent of my influence,” said DeShazer. “He didn't wrestle, but had a mat set up in our basement and we would watch YouTube videos to learn.”

His father also helped to keep his nerves in check when competing on the biggest stage.

“My dad would tell me the state tournament is a quarter of the size of some of the tournaments that I have competed in,” DeShazer said.

As for The Man, Jace is helping to develop the next generation of Libby wrestlers, while also advancing his own grappling career. He helps out with the Little Guy wrestling program in Libby, teaching kids the techniques they need to become better on the mat.

“Kids want to come and see Jace wrestle,” said Thompson. “They pack the gym when we host duals.”

DeShazer has become a mentor to his teammates at Libby as well. Whether it is helping out with technique or just getting kids into the weight room.

“He takes kids under his wing,” said Thompson. “He talks to teammates after matches to try and help them with different things that he thinks can improve their skills.”

Thompson noted that DeShazer has been a leader in the wrestling room since his freshman year. When numbers dwindled for the team DeShazer brought in new kids, namely teammates from the football team to help them keep working in the offseason.

“I picked out people who could help the team,” DeShazer said. “People who started two years ago are seeing results, I think we have a shot at divisionals and state this year.”

Put everything together and you have The Legend that coach Thompson spoke about when introducing DeShazer.

Now in his final stretch as a Logger, DeShazer looks to finish his legendary journey with one final individual title.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated with the correct names of Jace DeShazer's father and grandfather.