Jason Nurre’s been waiting for his chance to wrestle on varsity, and he’s making the most of it.

The 118-pounder from Dyersville jumped into the national ranking this week at No. 2, after an outstanding performance at the Las Vegas Invitational. Nurre placed first, as an eighth seed, beating three ranked opponents on the way to the coveted title. Nurre’s performance helped the Cyclones jump from No. 5 to No. 2 in the nation on Thursday. He is the Daily’s Cyclone Profile athlete of the week.

“I had planned on finishing in the top four, but I wasn’t real sure,” Nurre said. “After the tournament I had more confidence in myself and what I could do.

“Top-notch opponents help out a lot and make you a better wrestler,” Nurre added.

That confidence has been prevalent throughout the early season, as Nurre captured his second Cyclone Open title on Nov. 12, in as many years, and placed second at the Omaha Open a week later.

“I’m still making a lot of mistakes, but I’m working on improving,” Nurre said.

Iowa State head wrestling coach Bobby Douglas said he is pleased with Nurre’s accomplishments and training.

“Nurre’s a great example of how much progress [the team has] made,” Douglas said. “His work ethic is rubbing off in the room.”

That work ethic has helped Nurre during his on-again, off-again wrestling career at ISU. During his sophomore year he wrestled varsity at 118 pounds for part of the season but was bumped in favor of All-American Eric Akin. Last year Alfonzo Cruz beat him out for the varsity spot at the same weight class.

“My experience here has kind of been up and down,” Nurre said. “This is the best start I’ve had since I’ve been here; this is my best year so far.”

But Nurre’s not about to rest on his laurels because he’s on varsity; there are other wrestlers on the ISU squad that would like to be where Nurre’s at.

“We have some real tough 118-pounders [on the team],” Nurre said. The senior co-captain is looking forward to the start of the Big Eight season tonight when the team hosts a triangular with Northern Illinois and Oklahoma State.

“I don’t want to overlook any opponent,” Nurre said. “I want to stay focused.”

And Nurre wants a national title to go along with his state championship.

“Everybody’s goal in here is to be a national champion,” Nurre said. “I’m doing my best to achieve it, and I think I can right now.”

To see this promising champion in action, the ISU wrestling squad is hosting a triangular tonight at Hilton Coliseum. The meet starts at 4 p.m. against Northern Illinois and continues at 8 p.m. against Oklahoma State. Tickets are $2 for students and $6 for adults.