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.
