Q: What are you looking forward to the most as a player and teammate for the 2025-26 football season?

A: Trying to restore our football team back into what it used to be.

Q: What do you like most about playing football?

A: The bond with your team going out there on game day. 

Q: What’s your best moment you have experienced as a player or teammate on the football field?

A: Beating Sexton in 8th grade.

Q: What are your goals as a player and teammate for the 2025-26 football season?

A: Bring our football team back to its winning tradition.

Q: How much have you prepared for the football season, and what do you feel you have improved on to help  reach team goals?

A: Went to all the summer workouts and practices. 

Q: Tell us about your journey in football?

A: I started off at Sexton but got injured. During the offseason, I came to Eastern and played my 8th-grade year here, where we beat Sexton that same season. I continued playing last year, winning three games, and now I’m entering my 10th-grade year with hopes of competing more, becoming a better player, and helping build a stronger team.

Q: Talk to us about the love and dedication you have for your high school football team?

A: I have a lot of love and dedication. I love my school I know what the football team used to be back in the day, and I will give my all to get it back to that point.

Q: Tells us something your football coach has said to motivate you to play your best?

A: No matter how bad of a loss we have or how many losses we he has always been there for us, and he doesn’t quit on us no matter what. 

Q: What is your favorite play you like to run on offense or defense? 

A: I like playing guard and pulling on our run plays — the defense usually doesn’t expect it, and it sets up a really solid block.

Q: What goals have you set for yourself this season?

A: Win more games become more of a team. 

Q: What’s the best part about playing with this team?

A: We never quit on each other we’re all like family no matter what. 

Q: What’s your mindset going into a big game?

A: Play your hardest. If you have a bad play let it go, move on and do better next play. BEAT SEXTON!!!

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals or traditions?

A: The team huddles. Coach gives us a clap and we sing are fight song. 

Q: Can you tell us what it feels like to you when you’re out on your home field and the crowd is cheering so loud for your team?

A: There is no better feeling. You feel noticed, loved, motivated to give that crowd that is there our best for a win, and to go home happy. 

Q: How excited are you about High School Football Friday Night Lights and running out on the field with your team?

A: So excited. There’s no better feeling being able to get to play in front of people and be with your team. 

Q: What advice would you give to younger players just starting out?

A: Stay motivated. Don’t let hate get to you, put in the work for your school, your team and you’ll be alright.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Noah Hetherington, Eastern High’s Sophomore football player appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Michael Ray Gilmore, Lansing Eastern High’s sophomore wrestler in the 285 pound division. Here is what he had to say about his wrestling experience in Meet the Quakers Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: Coach A.P.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My family.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: The coaches.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: A lot of intense training and drilling.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Doing the wrong moves.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A : I felt pretty good but still knew I need work.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Getting third place in Ionia for varsity.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: It feels great and I just want to get better and for us to all improve.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Myself confidence at school and in sports.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: To show great citizenship and sportsmanship.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: That everything is going to be a challenge.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: I say we’re pretty strong and aggressive.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Arnold Pulliam and “That life is a challenge, but face it’s challenges and win.”

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: The determination and dedication he has.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: That it’s rough at the beginning, but push forward for greatness.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: Duck under to high C, and no it doesn’t.

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: No.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Cayden Root, and probably sing Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: Fluffy the comedian because it would be a funny match. I imagine him telling jokes in a middle of our match.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Mr. Brightside by the Killers

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Anything Science

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: To go to MSU

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Buffalo Wild Wings

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee.

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: I enjoy playing video games.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Michael Gilmore, Eastern High’s Sophomore Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

 By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire

Lansing News Wire caught up with Cayden Taylor, a senior wrestler from Fowlerville High competing in the 105-pound division. Here’s what she had to say about her wrestling journey in this edition of Meet the Lady Gladiators Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: Seeing my friends wrestle.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My biggest influence in wrestling would have to be my coach. He is prideful and he never gives up.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: I love the community.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Monday through Friday 3-5:30, depending on the meets and tournaments.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Building up my confidence and staying out of my head.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: My first match was fun. My first match made me feel very empowered because I wrestled a boy.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Qualifying for State.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: I love being on my team and having like my own little family. My individual expectations are placing at States. My teams expectations are going to States and doing better than we have before.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: It helped me learn to juggle multiple tasks and it helped me learn to focus on things now in order to live a good life in the future.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: To be respectful, responsible, and safe.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: Discipline

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: The strengths of our wrestling team is that we have the best support no matter what and I believe thats what keeps us going.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Dan coon. He always says “One match at a time”.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: He is upfront and knows when to be hard and when to be more calm.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Practice.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: My double, and no it does not.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Anna Buurma. She’d probably sing Stand by Me.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: Nicki Minaj because she is hilarious and it would be funny seeing her in a singlet.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: World hold on by Bob Sinclair

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Science

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: Michigan/Michigan state or Alma

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Texas roadhouse

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Venice

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: I like tennis or going out to swim.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Cayden Christine Taylor, Fowlerville High’s Senior Wrestler  appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Lansing News Wire caught up with Katalina Grace Thompson, junior wrestler from Eaton Rapids High competing in the 145-pound division. Here’s what she had to say about her wrestling journey in this edition of Meet the Lady Greyhouds Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My coach from gymnastics thought I would be good at it so I tried it out.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: Robby Thompson.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: Wrestling duals with my teammates.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Practice Monday-Friday.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Being able to come back after a defeat.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: I wrestled my first match ever at Howell high school and I was insanely nervous but very excited at the same time.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Getting my first banner.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: It feels good to be back together and my goal is to make it to States.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: It helped me grow as a person because it helps me handle multiple things at once and has made me a more of a punctual person.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: It means wherever you go you are representing your school/ team so you need to act right when you are out in public.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: To be determined.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: We have a strong team and we are all close together.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Robby Thompson and the advice he gave me is, “in the last period, the one who wins is the one that wants it the most.”

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: That he is able to coach and learn all of my teammates learning styles.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Go for it, and don’t give up, no matter what keep going.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: A fireman’s and I think it has a cool name.

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: Yes, I tried to do a spin move on Maggie Buurma and it didn’t really work out so I started laughing in the match.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Anna Davis and she would sing Tweaker by LiAngelo Ball

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: Ian Somerhalder

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Let it Happen by Tame Impala

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Math

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: University of Michigan

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Texas Roadhouse.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: I would go to Greece.

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: I like to go shopping and hang out with friends.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Katalina Grace Thompson, Eaton Rapids High’s Junior Wrestler  appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My older siblings wrestled, so it ran in the family. I saw them wrestling when i was younger and it just sparked something in me.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My dad has to be my first pick for my biggest influence. He’s the one who got me started wrestling. He has pushed me to be the best i can be since day one.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: The intensity of it. I love how it pushes me to try my hardest every time.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: I wrestle Monday through Friday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays after wrestling I head to MMA practice with my coach Leroy Ortega. I also usually work out about 3-4 times a week.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Myself. My mind is my biggest opponent for me. Once I get over all the fear and set back in my head I know I’ve won.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: My very first match I was 11 years old and I got picked up and slammed. I ended up breaking my collar bone. Having that experience for my first match is what sparked the drive i have today to be the best in the world.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: When I was in 8th grade I got ranked number 1 in the country. I got to compete against a senior at Who’s Number One. I did end up beating her.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: My team is like my family. I look forward to wrestling with them every season. I love how we all come together. As a team and individual hopefully to win states.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Being an athlete made me realize my limit and how far I can push myself. Putting that into a school format has made it much easier to get the work done.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: It means Bulldog pride.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A:Ive learned nothing is ever as hard as it seems. You always have to take your first step, either it be a half step or a jump. Eventually you will get there.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: We are a very positive team either win or loss. We always come together for each other.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: I have so many great coaches, they all give me great advice in times of need.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: They never let you give up on yourself, and they are always positive.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: You will never know your potential if you never give it a go. Remember baby steps are better then standing still.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: Its called the Cici. If you know you know.

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: I made a kid pass out. It definitely surprised me.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Gavin Vankirk, he definitely would steal the show. He would probably play the most random songs. Maybe something like I’m a gummy bear.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: I would love to fight against Rhonda Rousey. I have watched her flight since i was a little girl. I’ve always been obsessed with her. Hopefully one day I can meet her.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Barbie world- Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Aqua.

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Art

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: MSU

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Any place that has a triple hamburger, LOL.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Every National Park.

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: Traveling, sketching, nature walks and swimming.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Cecilia Williams, Mason High’s Junior Wrestler  appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Lansing News Wire caught up with Antonio Albarez-Williams, a senior wrestler from Everett High competing in the 157-pound division. Here’s what he had to say about his wrestling journey in this edition of Meet the Vikings Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: What inspired me was being a 3rd generation wrestler in the family.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My grandpa Robert Albarez Sr, grandmother Tina Albarez, mother Andrea Albarez, uncles Tony, Albert, Gilbert, and Robert Albarez coaches Timothy Foster, Alan Couthen and Laraine Walton.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: The thing I love most is the commitment the hard work and dedication and the effort that is put into this sport.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Mondays and Thursdays are more of a technical practice and Tuesdays and Fridays are weight cut practice days and Wednesday and Saturday we go win matches.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: The biggest challenges were the ones I put on myself, all of the pressure of making it out or getting first place, challenges I set on myself were the biggest ones because I realized I had to take it one match at a time.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: My first high school match was electric for me I felt like I belonged and gave me home I could always come to, after pinning the first guy in that match I felt so accomplished and successful because of the work my coaches helped me put in.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: My prouder moment is when I made regionals for the first time, because I never thought it was possible for someone like me to be able to make it that far only wrestling for a few years at the time.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: It feels amazing being with my team, my brothers and sister, my family my individual goals for my team is just have fun and maybe win matches while doing it as long as we have each other nothing will stop us.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Being a student athlete has made a big impact on our team actually our wrestling team most likely had the best overall grades out of our athletic teams at Everett, it helps us grow because it give us responsibility and a sense of priority because we have to be smart in the books before were smart on the mat.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: It means a lot to represent my school as a student athlete because Everett deserves more recognition for the work they are putting in with our students, showing us how to be better people in the world.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: Lessions I’ve learned from wrestling is self discipline, self mindset and leadership.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: One strength is that we are a family and that we are supportive to one another, we have a very young team that is ready to eat and work hard for the years to come.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Head coach- Timothy Foster- how important it is for both hard work and consistency in and out of wrestling. It’s a sport that requires dedication, discipline, and mental toughness, and can relate to just about everything moving forward. Success in wrestling doesn’t come overnight and isn’t easy and It’s the little things you do every day that add up. Your work ethic, attitude, ability to push through tough times and stay consistent will take you a long way in life. assistant coach- Alan Couthen The only way you lose is if you don’t try your hardest. We don’t remember days, we remember moments.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: One thing I love about my coaches they allow us to play, joke, and fool around sometimes but they always make sure that we can flip that switch in our head and wrestle 100% for 6+ minutes and prepare us for everything.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: I strongly encourage everyone to join wresting, yes it will be hard and yes it will be a grind but in the end you will see improvements and you will feel a sense of accomplishment because you are the one that did it.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: My signature move is a half nelson with a tight waist and drive them over their head. It doesn’t have a name because I put those combinations together.

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: Yes, actually me and my opponent were having a whole conversation while I was beating him and then pinning him.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: my teammate, best friend and Captain Cellyon Benning he would steal the show with Tennessee Whiskey.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: Jordan Burroughs, I would wrestle him because he will make me work hard and teach me a lot of things that maybe I need to perfect or work on.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: I would go old school with Planet Rock.

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Mathematics

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: Hampton University an HBCU college in Virginia.

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: A Taco Truck called Taquero Mucho.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: I would go to Ethiopia.

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: My favorite hobby is throwing he annual Lansing Fiesta with Tony Albarez and Daniel Ferreira.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Antonio Albarez-Williams, Everett High’s Senior Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Lansing News Wire caught up with Owen Heise, a junior wrestler from Eastern High competing in the 120-pound division. Here’s what he had to say about his wrestling journey in this edition of Meet the Quakers Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My friends.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My mom.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: Being strong and challenging myself.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Practices, meets and gym time.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Finding confidence in my skills.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: Exciting, and nerve wracking.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Getting the pin at home this year.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: It feels good to be back, and hopefully we all do good.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: I have met new friends, it keeps me busy, and makes me scheduled.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: Accomplishment.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: Determination can lead to great things.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: We have lots of strength and are friends/ family.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Coach AP, have more confidence in yourself.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: He always pushes us to do better and be our best.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Be open minded, have fun.

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: Not really. no.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Cayden, but don’t know what song.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: The Rock.. because.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Monster, by Skillet.

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Robotics

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: Not sure yet.

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Blaze Pizza

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Bahamas

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: Zap Zone XL

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Owen Heise, Lansing Eastern High’s Junior Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

 By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire

Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Mikel Burnette-Smith, East Lansing High’s senior wrestler in the 150-157 pound division. Here is what he had to say about his wrestling experience in Meet the Trojans Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My mom because she saw it one day on a poster and signed me up.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: All my wrestling coaches.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: The bond you make with your team.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Practice everyday and extra running on the days off.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Hurting my arm and my leg.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: I felt good stepping out there trying something new.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Winning against some good competition.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: It feels good. As a team I want to make at least regionals because the team is working hard this year. As individual my goal is States and to place.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Helped me become more organized and learn how to balance two things at once.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: To me it means just showing what my schools about in whatever sport I do.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: Discipline is a big one because you can get humbled really quickly on the mat and you got to have that discipline to not react poorly.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: We work together and well. There’s no drama and we always get the work done.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Thomas Woodward. He shared to me that it doesn’t matter about rankings it matters how hard you wrestle.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: He understands and listens if there’s a problem to help build the team chemistry.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Don’t give up. It gets hard at times but it teaches you more than anything else.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: Ankle pic, or the “stack”

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: Yes. I ran around the mat to waste time.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Probably one of the girls singing sea.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: Spencer Lee to know what I need to do to improve.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Lil brudda by vonoff1700

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: History

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: Penn State

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Texas Roadhouse, or Boiling Pots

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: To Mexico

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: Cooking

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Mikel Burnette-Smith, East Lansing High’s Senior Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Lansing News Wire caught up with Molly Root, a junior wrestler from Holt High competing in the 100-pound division. Here’s what she had to say about her wrestling journey in this edition of Meet the Lady Rams Q&A:

Q: FULL NAME

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: Just to get into a sport that was fun and seeing people do it.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: Coach Hafke.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: Going to tournaments

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Practices drilling and going live and running.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Taking shots.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: A lot of hand fighting and defense. It felt good.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Being able to stay with a girl that took 4th in State.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: It feels good, I hope that the whole team does good this year.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Learning how to balance things out.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: To show you can get homework done and still do practice.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: To not give up.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: We don’t give up.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Just wrestle don’t think, and keep moving through things.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: That if you try to stop he will make you keep doing it until you get it down.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: It can be hard at first but you will get it eventually and it is really fun.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: A head inside single dump.

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: I was wrestling a girl and she shot at my ankles and I didn’t expect it and fell straight to my back.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Shea she would probably sing Party in the USA.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

Maybe a song by Ice

What is your favorite classroom subject?

English

What is your dream school/university?

Davenport

What is your favorite place to go eat?

Wing Stop

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Hawaii

What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

Tennis

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Molly Root , Holt High’s Junior Wrestler   appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Lansing News Wire caught up with Olivia Root, a senior wrestler from Holt High competing in the 120-pound division. Here’s what she had to say about her wrestling journey in this edition of Meet the Lady Rams Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My dad, he said it would get me in shape

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My coaches, especially coach Koort and coach Hafke.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: The excitement and nervousness it brings before a match.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: I have practice 6 days a week and then sometimes on Monday I have extra practices.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Probably my own mindset against certain matches.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: My first match, I was so nervous. I got pinned in 20 seconds but it was so fun.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: When I made it to States.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: I’m excited, it’s not the same without the girls from last year. Our team shouldn’t be too bad this year, I’m excited for myself, I should be back at the state tournament this year.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: It’s taught me how to work better on myself.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: It’s exciting and nice to have people know me.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: Working hard.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: We are pretty close this year and our strengths are some of our returners.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Coach Hafke, and he told me that I need to just keep wrestling.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: Always being supportive and giving me the hard truth.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Stick it out and keep learning.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: Probably the cradle.

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: I can’t really think of any right now.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Probably Ary, she would sing any pop song that’s trending.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: I think I would wanna wrestle another athlete because I would wanna see if they would be able to do any moves.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Probably an ICP song.

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Study of Film.

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: I’m going to Davenport, but if nothing mattered I would love to go to Michigan.

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Coaches

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Italy

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: Reading

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Olivia Root , Holt High’s Senior Wrestler  appeared first on La Prensa Latina.