Destin McCauley of Minnesota scores a takedown in the 2010 ASICS/Vaughan Junior National freestyle finals. John Sachs photo

Destin McCauley of Burnsville, Minn., considered by many as the nation’s top college wrestling recruit, has announced his wrestling plans for after he completes high school.

McCauley will become a resident athlete in freestyle wrestling at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., starting in March 2011. He will continue to live and train there during the next academic year in 2011-12, focusing on training and competition in international freestyle wrestling.

“I felt that if I go to the U.S. Olympic Training Center, I will get more matches, get to go overseas and get a year more maturity,” said McCauley. “I want to focus on my freestyle wrestling now, which will give me a better chance when I try out for the 2012 Olympic Team.”

Starting in the 2012-2013 academic year, McCauley has made a verbal commitment to attend the University of Wisconsin.

“I picked Wisconsin because I felt at home there, with both the coaches and the wrestlers,” said McCauley. “They were very supportive of me going to the Olympic Training Center. I like the coaches there. I believe they will help me to get where I want to go in wrestling.”

McCauley was a 2010 ASICS/Vaughan Junior Nationals champion in freestyle at 152 pounds, and was named Outstanding Wrestler. He also won a Pan American Junior freestyle title in 2010.

Heading into his senior season, he has already won four Minnesota state high school titles for Apple Valley High School, and was second in the state once.

McCauley trained at the U.S. Olympic Training Center for almost three months, after the conclusion of his junior year in high school and prior to competing at the 2010 ASICS/Vaughan Junior Nationals.

“After coaching Destin McCauley in the summer of 2010, we realized he had the desire and potential to become a World and Olympic Champion, and we are very excited he has decided to build his freestyle foundation at the U.S. Olympic Training Center,” said Brandon Slay, USA Wrestling Assistant National Freestyle Coach and Freestyle Resident Coach.

McCauley has set a goal to compete in both the 2011 and 2012 Junior World Championships for the United States, as well as to seek a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team.

“Destin will have the opportunity to train with our nation’s best wrestlers everyday as well as compete on the same domestic and international schedule as our Senior level athletes. In addition, he will take some college classes, which are paid for by the Stupak Grant, will allow him to jump start his education before he heads off to college. It’s a win on every level.”