The University of Mary is losing one of its most talented assets.  Josh Jensen, who was brought to North Dakota by Marauder Head Coach Adam Aho two years ago, is headed back to his home state of Utah.  Jensen plans to join the wrestling program at Utah Valley, though the move isn’t based on wrestling.

“Transferring really had nothing to do with wrestling,” Jensen noted when contacted by NDwrestle.  “I’m glad I’m still going to be lacing up my shoes and competing for a few more years because I just love to wrestle, but wrestling isn’t the only thing that matters to me.

For Jensen, the move is centered around family and finances.  As the oldest of four, it has been difficult competing so far from home and missing milestones for younger siblings.

“What it really came down to is that I love my family,” Jensen noted. “I was tired of missing stuff. I’m the oldest of four and have a unique relationship with all three of my siblings and not being around for milestones in their lives was rough.”

After two years starting for the Marauders, Jensen still has two years of competition remaining, plus are redshirt season.  He leaves Mary with no ill-will toward the program and its staff, and hopes the best for his former teammates moving into the upcoming season.

“I have nothing but the upmost respect for Coach Aho and that entire roster,” Jensen stated.  “I have no regrets about my years in Bismarck. I met some of the best people I’ve ever known up there and grew as a person. It wasn’t easy at all to make this decision but I truly believe everything happens for a reason.”

Jensen has been one of Mary’s strongest assets over the last two years, so replacing him will be difficult.   Last season, Jensen was the highest seeded Marauder at the Super Regional, but went a disappointing 0-2 in the tournament.  In a home dual, Jensen scored a major decision victory over Augustana NCAA qualifier Brandon Carroll.

Jensen’s departure should open the door for North Dakota state champion Nate Humann to crack the lineup.  Humann is the only 125 listed on the roster, though Mary brought in three 125 pounds freshman for next season including Beulah-Hazen state champion Jeremy Leintz and Karson Mosbrucker of Mandan.