There is a bible verse that has had a profound influence on UW-Eau Claire wrestler Ian Pepple.
The words are so impactful that Pepple has James 1:2-4 tattooed on the left side of his chest.
He can also recite the verse from memory:
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Those words have provided inspiration for Pepple, a returning All-American who has high hopes entering the upcoming NCAA Division III Championships on Friday and Saturday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
“James 1:2-4 is a quote that (UWEC coach Tim) Fader, when I first got here, told us my freshman year,” Pepple said. “It kind of stuck with me and that kind of sums me up.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPepple enters the national tournament with a 25-5 record at 197 pounds.
The junior from Hastings, Minnesota placed second at the WIAC tournament before finishing third at the NCAA regional on Feb. 28.
“I know I can wrestle better than I have been,” Pepple said after the regional meet. “I have been nursing some injuries. I tweaked my kneecap and I’ve had to work through that.
“I am feeling better and I am ready to have a good performance at the national tournament.”
Pepple burst onto the scene during his sophomore season. He went 37-14 and set a new school record with 25 pins.
Pepple was a WIAC champion in 2025 before becoming an NCAA All-American for the first time.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Ian just keeps getting better and better,” Fader said. “He’s progressed so much since he came in here and he’s still learning.”
The 6-foot-4 Pepple is a tough matchup because of the leverage he has from possessing a large wing span and being taller than his opponents.
“Ian is a dangerous wrestler who can pin anybody from all three positions,” Fader said. “He’s fun to watch wrestle. He’s a great kid and it’s great having him in our program.”
Pepple has embraced the grind during his time with the Blugold program.
“It’s a really tough sport, but I really have a love for this sport,” he said. “It’s rewarding when you see all of your hard work pay off.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPepple wasn’t a highly touted recruit during his days as a prep.
“When I was in high school, I never really stood out,” he said. “I was behind some guys who were really good. I have had my time to shine now in college.”
Pepple, an NWCA Scholar All-American, has kept everything in perspective as a student-athlete at UW-Eau Claire.
“At the end of the day, it’s just wrestling,” he said. “I love this sport, but there is much more to life than this. There is a Lord in Heaven that loves me. And I am surrounded by family and friends that love me. And this wrestling program, all of these guys are my brothers. We have a great culture and a family atmosphere here.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPepple is hoping his experience from last year’s national tournament will benefit him this year.
“I learned a lot,” he said. “I know I have to stay hungry, 120 percent. I got scared along the way, seeing guys who were older than me and more experienced. I had to realize I can compete with all of them.”
Pepple realizes he needs to take it step by step while not looking too far ahead.
“I just have to be laser focused and have that belief in myself,” he said. “If you don’t walk into that tournament believing you can win the whole thing you don’t have much of a reason for being there. Anything can happen, so you have to be ready.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPepple is aiming for the top step of the medal podium.
“My coaches tell me every day I am one of the most competitive wrestlers at my weight class,” he said. “They tell me I have every skill in the book to win a national title. I know it is achievable for me and that’s what I want.”
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