CONNOR MEDBERY »» WRESTLING Badgering...
The Wisconsin wrestling team features many talented young wrestlers who are dominating the open tournament circuit — none better than heavyweight Connor Medbery. In his redshirt season, Medbery has won three different open tournament titles in his weight class, and took seventh place at the prestigious Midlands Championships. He has a 17-2 record this year in open tournaments.
What has been the toughest adjustment to college wrestling?
"The biggest difference between high school and college wrestling is definitely the hand-fighting and pace. Matches are a lot faster than in high school wrestling and everyone is tough in college so there are no easy matches. You just have to be ready for all of them. This redshirt season has been great for me to get familiar with college wrestling."
What have you learned from competing in open tournaments?
"I think the biggest thing I need to work on is getting to my shots, standing in good position and finishing. I have faced a lot of good opponents this year, including some really tough wrestlers. I've learned that I can compete at this level, but that there is still a lot to learn."
What did competing at the Midlands Championships do for your confidence?
"It was a great experience. I went there to go out and compete against the toughest guys in the nation. I made a few mistakes, but I learned from them, and that's what competing in that tournament was all about."
How can your success this season translate to success as a UW starter next year?
"I need to keep wrestling my style. In a couple of close matches this season, I have sort of shut down and wasn't as offensive. I think that's the biggest thing I am going to keep working on right now. I have great coaches that are looking out for my best interest and will help me out with that."
24 » VARSITY FEBRUARY 9, 2012
