by By Dan Ninham, contributing writer
Jaxon Wakaluhya’ta·ko Smith is Oneida and he will be a junior next school year at Marinette HS in Wisconsin. Last year he played football as the starting center, was the co-captain for varsity wrestling and participated in track and field and he also wrestled for the Fox Valley Elite Wresting Club.
Smith talked about his core values and how they connect to how he practices and competes. He said, “The Oneida Core Values are Good Mind, Good Heart and Strong Fire.
* A Good Mind: each and every practice I go in focused and with intention to make my teammates and myself better.
* A Good Heart: I care about all of my teammates and encourage them to be their best selves. I also push myself.
* A Strong Fire: it is the passion and determination to do my personal best each and every time and represent my tribe and state the best that I can.”
“My mentor is Zack Anglin because he is a man that shows everyone that you can overcome anything,” said Smith. “Zack was born without hands and feet and was a three-time State Qualifier. He then became the first quad amputee pilot. He still inspires me to be better each and every day.”
Nicholas Metoxen was Jaxon’s Team Wisconsin wrestling coach at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games at Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is also the head wrestling coach at Oneida Nation HS and middle school program.
“Jaxon was one of our many wrestlers who made it to the championship round for Team Wisconsin,” said Coach Nicholas Metoxen. “At this particular weight class, both wrestlers were teammates, meaning the result was a gold and silver for Team Wisconsin regardless, both wrestlers having cleared the reminder of the weight class.”
“Jaxon was one of the most devoted wrestlers on the team, making it to nearly every practice regardless of location. There was a time when we were worried he wouldn’t be medically cleared to wrestle, having recently had surgery on his wrist. This didn’t stop him from preparing in any way he could, still attending practice, going through the motions, and often doing whatever exercises he could while encouraging his teammates from the side of the mat,” added Coach Metoxen.
“For months we saw Jaxon itching to wrestle, coaches often having to pull him out of drills he shouldn’t have been doing,” said Coach Metoxen. “We put a lot of faith in him that he would be ready to wrestle, backed up by his attendance and enthusiasm.”
“With about two weeks left before the opening ceremonies, he finally got his clearance to return to full contact, and a switch flipped in him. We saw that we clearly had a wrestler who was ready for competition. Jaxon proceeded to steam roll his way to the championship round, where he was ultimately against his teammate for gold. After losing a close one against Leonard Chosa of Lac Du Flambeau both Team Wisconsin wrestlers shared the top of the podium, bringing home silver and gold medals,” added Coach Metoxen.
“Working with Jaxon was an absolute joy,” said Coach Metoxen. “The energy and obvious love for the sport brought smiles to not only our team, but any athlete he interacted with, regardless of team or sport. There’s no way that kid doesn’t have a new friend in every one of the Canadian Provence’s after the games in Nova Scotia.”
Rob Lee is the head coach of Fox Valley Elite Wrestling. He said, “I have coached Jaxon for the last few years. He is a very well-liked athlete who always has a smile on his face and a story to tell. It is not uncommon for Jaxon to stop his practice session to help kids that are struggling. The fact that he will hinder his own growth to help the growth of others tells a story all in itself. He is not only a great mentor, but he will make a great coach someday.”
Matthew Marotz is Jaxon’s high school wrestling coach and Technology Education instructor at Marinette HS. He talked about one of his star student athletes positive attributes. He said, “Jaxon is one of our team captains. He earned this spot as a sophomore because he is dedicated to the sport. He is always first to arrive in practice and the last to leave. He has a perfect attendance record.”
“Jaxon helps to push his teammates’ efforts on and off the mat and is enjoyable to be around. When we go to wrestling meets and tournaments Jax is a social butterfly that cheers on his teammates and opponents.”
“The wrestling community is obviously his family and where he is most comfortable,” said Coach Marotz. “Jaxon is a great young man and I am looking forward to working with him this year.”
