By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire
Lansing News Wire had a chance to catch up with Olivia Pettigrew, St. John High’s Sophomore wrestler in the 130-pound division. Here is what she had to say about her wrestling experience in Meet the Redwings Q&A:
Q: FULL NAME
A: Olivia Pettigrew
Q: What high school do you represent?
A: St. Johns
Q: What grade are you?
A: 10
Q: What weight class do your wrestle?
A: 130
Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?
A: My older brother who also wrestles.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?
A: Definitely my brother, dad, as well as my uncle.
Q: What do you love most about wrestling?
A: Being apart of a team that has become an amazing family to me.
Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?
A: 2 hours a day, we drill, go live, sometimes lift in the weight room, as well as sprints towards the end of practice.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?
A: Trying to make weight.
Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?
A: My first match I was aware of what my opponent would do since I had wrestled her twice in the past. I knew how to take away/defend the moves I knew she would try and throw. During the second period I choose bottom and got an escape. The escape point was what got me my win. The match was 1-0 at the end. I was feeling quite confident before the match. I lost to my opponent twice in the past, but I stayed positive that I could do it.
Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?
A: My proudest moments would have to be after every match that I win. Because after every win, I feel more confident in what I am capable of.
Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?
A: It feels awesome to be back with the team this season. My individual goal would be to make it to States this year. As a team goal I think being state champs would be awesome, but as well as district and regional champs.
Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?
A: I feel that being a student-athete has helped me keep my grades up, as well as gaining my confidence in a lot of outside related things.
Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?
A: I feel that it shows perseverance and that you are showing what your school is about and who you all are as the general group of people.
Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?
A: I have learned to never give up and to keep pushing through especially when you feel like giving up.
Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?
A: I would say our team this year is very strong and there is a lot of young blood that has a lot of potential.
Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?
A: Our head coach is Kevin Pettigrew. The biggest piece of advice that he has given me is to never give up when I’m tired.
Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?
A: I admire that he is determined to help us get as far as we can, and that he always supports us and is always proud of us no matter what.
Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?
A: I would say that it is an amazing sport to be apart of. As well as, when you start to give up, just keep pushing through and it will all pay of in the end.
Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?
A: I’m not really sure what mine is yet, I am still working on it.
Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?
A: I can’t think of a time where that has happened.
Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?
A: Most likely any of our juniors. They are all very funny and would definitely steal the show.
Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?
A: I’m not really sure.
Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?
A: Maybe Enter Sandman by Metallica
Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?
A: Science and English.
Q: What is your dream school/university?
A: I would have to say Ferris State University and/or Northern Michigan University.
Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?
A: Really anywhere, I love lots of different foods.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I would travel to Scotland, Ireland, as well as Iceland.
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?
A: I really love to read.
LARRY ARREGUIN 
Raul Garcia