By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire
Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Tevin Crawford Jr, Lansing Everett High’s freshmen wrestler in the 132-pound division. Here is what he had to say about his wrestling experience in Meet the Vikings Q&A:
Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?
A: My uncle inspired me to wrestle and I stuck with it ever since. I keep driving and working to make my uncle proud even though he’s no longer with me.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?
A: It has to be my dad. He influences me to wrestle even when I don’t want to. He makes me push and work hard no matter what.
Q: What do you love most about wrestling?
A: The process of getting better each and everyday.
Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?
A: It starts with some sort of lifting in the morning and in the afternoon I have regular practice.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?
A: A injury I faced as a seventh grader set me backwards for a while and caused me to relearn me.
Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?
A: My first match, I’m always nervous but as soon as I step on the mat it all goes away.
Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?
A: Winning my first match of each year every year.
Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?
A: My individual expectations start with qualifying for States as a sophomore and my overall team expectations is for no one to give up at anytime through out the year.
Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?
A: It’s helped me mature and grow in technique.
Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?
A: It overall means when I walk in the place I represent the school and not just myself.
Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?
A: You have to be strong mentally before physically.
Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?
A: Our captains, it lies in us being able to push the team and each other to be better.
Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?
A: Timothy Foster, he’s told no matter what I’m battling outside the sport I have to deal with that first.
Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?
A: : How much he actually cares about us as a team and individuals.
Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?
A: Stay strong and stick with it.
Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?
A: Sweep single
Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?
A: Yeah, a kid head butted me at the end of a period.
Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?
A: One of the other captains Antonio Williams, and I honestly have no idea.
Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?
A: Spencer Lee, just to learn and grow through the match.
Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?
A: Ain’t it Fun by Paramore
Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?
A: Math, it makes the most since there is almost always a solution.
Q: What is your dream school/university?
A: Michigan is the school I’ve wanted to attend for a long time.
Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?
A: Chick fa la
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Japan
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?
A: Spending time with my family.
LARRY ARREGUIN 
Raul Garcia