By Timothy Gray
The Lincoln Journal Star
It started with pen and paper. It will end with memories and see-you-laters.

In November 2005, a letter from Nebraska wrestling coach Mark Manning to Jordan Burroughs not only helped land the wrestling phenom from Sicklerville, New Jersey, but helped carve the face of Team USA wrestling over the last 15 years.

Manning's letter to Burroughs read as follows:

"Dear Jordan, I really enjoyed visiting with you the other night! We've signed a few real good guys early, and only have so much scholarship available. But, you are one of the guys we really need to be a part of our program. When I watched you compete last year at the state tournament, I realized you have the ability to a great college wrestler. I believe with the workout (training) partners we have for you to wrestle with every day — that you will be able to challenge for the nat'l championship very early on in your career. I'm looking forward to having you come out here this spring. We have a lot of tough, good kids in our program and it's only a matter of time before we win the Nat'l Championship. Keep working hard and dreaming of being 'a Husker'! ... Take care — Coach Manning."

Burroughs went on to win two NCAA national titles as a Husker. Since staying in Lincoln, Burroughs has captured Olympic gold in London 2012, along with 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017 world championships. Burroughs also added world bronze medals in 2014, 2018 and 2019.

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