While Slatoff’s wrestling career is coming to an end at this year’s NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championships, his impact off the mat is just getting started. 

Thanks to his father, Nikolas Slatoff has been wrestling for his whole life.

“My dad told me I was going to wrestle, and now I’ve been wrestling for 15 years,” he said.

Slatoff grew up in Henderson, Nevada and attended Green Valley High School, one of the largest high schools in the Las Vegas area. In his breakout varsity season, Slatoff had a record of 40-8, earning first-team all-region honors. That same year the team won the sectional, regional, and state title. 

Now after four years of college wrestling, Slatoff says there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, both physically and mentally. 

“The sacrifices that have to be made…being disciplined with eating and getting extra workouts in. Also trying to stay healthy, avoiding injuries, there’s a lot of work outside of just going to practice.”

The good times outweigh the tribulations and Slatoff puts great emphasis on the connections he’s made with teammates, coaches and beyond.

“I felt like I made lifelong friends and I have a family here. I always have someone that I can reach out to if I need anything,” Slatoff said. “My assistant coach, Coach Vick has had a huge impact with his work ethic and how he carries himself. He has a wife and kids and a job outside of coaching, so a lifestyle that I want,” Slatoff said. “My teammate Malachi too, he taught me how to grow and introduced me to Christ, so he’s had a huge impact too.”

Nikolas advises younger teammates and future freshmen to live with intent and use Baker’s resources as much as they can. 

“There’s always more that you could be doing so take advantage of the coaches and be intentful with each day. Have a purpose for what you’re doing and have someone hold you accountable,” he said. “We’re not afraid to call each other out…so it’s like tough love in a way, but also great friends on and off the mat as well.”

As Nikola’s undergraduate education concludes and career on the mat nears the end, Slatoff will be staying in the area coaching, pursuing a master’s in business, and working for Northwestern Mutual. 

“I plan to stick around here and be a grad assistant for the men’s team and then I have a job lined up as well,” he said.

If Nikolas could say one thing to his younger self it would be “there’s more to life than just winning and losing. So it’s about the journey not the destination.”