Bogojevic grappling his way to the top

SUPERIOR - Having started wrestling at an early age, Nikola Bogojevic quickly found his passion.

"I like the one–on–one competition sports, that's why I fell in love with it," he said.  "Then I found I was kinda good at it."

Kinda good may be a bit of an understatment.  Long–time Superior coach Bill Gedde knew right away Bogojevic was a special talent.

"He's what we call a blue–chipper," said Gedde.  "He showed a lot of promise early on, and maybe more so than his ability was his passion."

Last summer, Niko showed the entire country just how special a talent he is, winning the heavyweight title at the junior nationals in greco–roman wrestling.

"My sophomore year I took second there, so I knew what it was like to be in the finals," said Bogojevic.  "This year I said to myself I'm sick of losing.  I'm tired of it, I want that national title."
"The junior nationals is the premier wrestling tournament in the nation," added Gedde.  "The very best kids in the nation go there to wrestle."

Success on the national level drew the attention of Division I colleges.

"When you're winning national titles," said Gedde.  "The Division I recruiters are watching you real closely."

But in the end, Niko's decsion was an easy one.

"I always wanted to wrestle for Wisconsin," said Bogojevic.  "This is my state, and I love the state."
"He'll be able to walk in, and he'll be able to wrestle," said Gedde.  "He'll be able to endure the pounding that comes in a division I wrestling program."

A senior at Superior, Niko finished the high school regular season 41–0, and ranked number one in the state. Niko's not only tops in Wisconsin, he's the number five heavyweight nationally.  Already with a national title to his credit, he's now focused on a state title.

"Since last summer, I've set a lot of goals," said Bogojevic.  "I'm not settling for anything less this year.  I want that state title."

"He truly believes, as I believe, he can beat anybody in the state," added Gedde.

While his time as a Spartan will soon end, Gedde belives Niko's impact on Superior will last a lifetime.

"I tell people a kid like this comes along maybe once every 50 years."