Wise-beyond-years Washington youth is home on a mat

Editor’s Note: This article appeared in WIN’s Volume 31 Issue 8, printed on May 6, 2025 and is now available digitally for subscribers. 

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By Bill X. Barron

Regardless of opponent, experience, setting, or tournament, one aspect of wrestling never changes: your first, and most formidable, opposition is yourself.

Eight-year-old Jacques “Jocko” Finley from upstate Washington is already well-endowed with the humility to accept the necessity of constantly improving and the knowledge that he must battle his own self-doubts or perceived deficiencies before conquering any warrior on the other side of the mat.

His father Anthony reflects: “Named after his ancestor, Jacques Raphael Finley, a Native American fur trader and Northwest scout who was instrumental to establishing Spokane’s first trading post.”

“Belonging to the Colville Confederated Tribe, Jacques takes great pride in his Native heritage. While his ancestors once navigated the region’s rivers and trade routes, young Jacques charts his course on the wrestling mat, finding inspiration in fellow Native wrestlers who share his passion and drive.”

“RMN Events are awesome!” Exclaims Jocko. “I’ve gotten to travel all over the country, wrestle kids from everywhere, and win my first national Outstanding Wrestler (OW) award.

“The competition is tough, which pushes me, and the events are always well-run and exciting. I love seeing my wrestling friends at tournaments, too; it’s like having a big family.”

A 2024 RMN Freak Show champion, Jocko earned a Washington state triple crown in winning folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco. From 2023-2025, he accrued 19 first-place finishes, including the 2025 RMN Games of Rome, where he took home five first-place medals and a silver between weights and age divisions.

“Wrestling kind of found me,” recalls Jocko. “I actually started in gymnastics when I was 3 or 4 years old, but it wasn’t enough to harness all the energy I had. My dad, who wrestled in college, saw how much I was bouncing around and thought wrestling would be a great fit for my drive.

“Once I hit the mat and learned how to use my strength and focus in a real match, I was hooked. I love how it’s just you and your opponent – no excuses, just heart.”

“Wrestling is valuable for its ability to demonstrate personal growth and develop perseverance in young athletes,” cites Anthony. Jocko’s mantra is “never quit, keep believing, and fight back if you fall behind.”

“Besides my dad,” Jocko reflects, “I am fortunate to have amazing coaches like Marc Sprague, who’s in the Coach’s Hall of Fame and always gives me wisdom and next-level technique. Coach Brian Owens helps me believe in myself, and Coach Paul Senescall pushes me to be stronger mentally.

“They all care about more than just wrestling – they care about me growing as a person.”

Marc Sprague, Jocko’s primary mentor with the Cobra All-Stars in Portland, founded USA Wrestling Oregon. In 2008, he received the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s “Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award.”

Coach Sprague knows what it takes to wrestle competitively at the highest level. Still leading daily practices at age 84, he has coached three Olympic team members in his 56 years of mentoring.

His son Marc Sprague Jr. was a Fargo freestyle champion and OW, as well as winning 15 Grand Nationals and becoming a 7-time Amateur World Champ.

In Marc’s view, those who succeed at the younger level share this characteristic: “All have a common foundation in their parents, ones who create a culture of engagement. Society is soft, while wrestling requires toughness.

“Parents need to make sacrifices and provide opportunities while focusing their kid on the training, not the trophies.”

Coach Brian Owen works with Jocko at the Inland Northwest Training Center in Spokane which, at 8,000+ square feet, is among the nation’s largest wrestling-specific forums.

“Being one of the younger guys in the Training Center,” assesses Owen, “Jocko emulates the older athletes and possesses the ability to replicate the pace and techniques of those ten years older than him.“

Brian cites that “Jocko has a natural fluidity that comes out in matches where he chooses not to stop or pause for stalemates but finds solutions. His older sisters kicking his butt all the time is definitely helpful, as he has become fearless in competition and doesn’t carry any anxiety.

“My family is all-in with wrestling.” Jocko elaborates. My dad is my coach, and he’s tough but fair. He believes in me, even when I doubt myself. My mom makes sure we get to every tournament, feeds us, and always finds our lost gear!

My sisters Emily and Elsa just started wrestling, too, and I love that we’re all doing this together. We even practice together in the basement sometimes.”

“Our objective is to get kids to fall in love with wrestling at an early age; then they will thrive in high school and college,” relates Owen. “INTWC has developed Fargo and Pan Am champions as well as World Team members.”

“Wrestling helps me focus on school,” Jocko relates. “It teaches me to manage my time, listen to instructions, and keep trying even when the material is hard. My teachers say I’m a leader, and I think wrestling helped me build that confidence.

“You wouldn’t know it, but I’m actually really shy. Wrestling helps me come out of my shell and speak up. It’s given me the courage to be more outgoing and to lead by example, both in the classroom and with my teammates.”

Jocko also trains with Paul Senescall at the Big Cat Wrestling Club, a youth feeder program for Spokane’s Mead High School. “Lightning in a Bottle – that’s the best way to describe Jocko Finley. His presence alone elevates the entire room, and when he strikes, there’s no one safe—not even the heavyweights.

“He’s one of the few younger athletes granted access to the advanced training sessions, and he consistently pushes the older kids he trains with. It’s not uncommon to hear the phrase, ‘If Jocko isn’t tired, you shouldn’t be tired’ echo through our practice room.

It has not all been smooth sailing for Jocko. He says, “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned came during a finals match in a tough bracket. I was down by several points going into the third period, but I didn’t quit. I kept pushing, stayed focused, and found a way to fight back.

“I ended up getting the pin and winning the match, which also earned me the Outstanding Wrestler award for the 8U division at the tournament. That match taught me that no matter how far behind you are, if you keep believing and wrestling hard, anything can happen.”

Jocko also trains with Jiu-Jitsu master Professor Sam Lay, who relates: “Jocko’s dedication, discipline, and work ethic set him apart both on and off the mat. He approaches every challenge with focus and intensity, consistently pushing himself to improve and inspiring others through his commitment to growth.”

“We often use Jocko’s pre-match preparation as an example for our athletes, concludes Coach Senescall. “He paces, gets into his own space, and visualizes his competition before stepping onto the mat.

“I frequently ask the other wrestlers to observe how Jocko mentally and physically prepares for his matches. This is a powerful tool for promoting growth and upholding the standards we strive to maintain.”

Jocko aspires to greater heights. “I want to keep climbing. I dream of becoming a multi-time national champ, wrestling in college or possibly the Olympics, and one day coaching like my dad. Off the mat, I want to work with Native communities and help grow wrestling on reservations and in tribal nations.

“As I am a descendant of the Colville Confederated tribes, I want other kids – especially Native youth – to feel that too. I want to help them find their strength and their voice.”

Senescall has a unique perspective. “It’s not just his work ethic that stands out – Jocko brings infectious energy and joy to the room. His presence alone motivates his teammates to push harder and work smarter.

“His ‘lunch pail’ attitude, a mindset focused on grit and determination, drives everyone around him to bring their A-game. Practice partners quickly learn that if they don’t match his intensity, it will be a long day for them.

“Outside of his unparalleled work ethic, Jocko brings an unmistakable sense of joy and happiness to our club. Watching him smile and bounce off the walls during practice always lightens the mood.”

“Wrestling has taught me who I am,” shares Jocko.

It’s made me stronger in every way—not just on the mat. It’s taught me how to bounce back from failure, how to believe in myself, and how to be part of something bigger. I’m proud to be a wrestler.

“Wrestling is like a battle that teaches you to believe in yourself. It’s not just about strength – it’s about heart, discipline, and respect.”

Coach Senescall concludes: “As coaches, we are dedicated to pushing our athletes to improve, but if you aren’t enjoying the journey, what’s the point?

“Jocko continually reminds us all that you can work hard, chase your goals, and still find joy in the process. It’s a lesson I hope all our athletes take to heart as they climb higher.”