Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Jamie Cook, Dewitt High’s Senior wrestler in the 125-pound division. Here is what she had to say about her wrestling experience in Meet the Lady Panthers Q&A:
By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire
Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?
A: My dad wrestled when he was in high school and that’s what encouraged me to get into it.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?
A: My dad
Q: What do you love most about wrestling?
A: The intensity and competitiveness of it.
Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?
A: Practice right after school, maybe an extra practice after the high school practice.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?
A: The state finals, been there twice and it’s a lot of work to get there.
Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?
A: My first match was when I was 7 years old, and I lost, but I remember going out there and being so excited to finally have a real match other than practice. Even though I lost, I still came off the mat smiling.
Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?
A: Making it to states every year so far, and getting to compete in the state finals.
Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?
A: I’m super excited, it’s mind blowing to think that it is my last season with these girls, but I can’t wait to see where we all go. My personal goal is to win a state title, for the team I’m super excited to have the people I have around me, they are all great. Hoping to get another district title and possibly make it to states this year!
Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?
A: It taught me discipline, and to always emphasize on the student before athlete.
Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?
A: To always keep your composure, and to know it’s not just you your wrestling for, but also your school.
Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?
A: To be disciplined in everything I do.
Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?
A: The girls are so bonded to together. We are super close and are super supportive of each other and will always have each others backs.
Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?
A: Coach Byars, always to tell me to wrestle my moves and not get so caught up about being nervous.
Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?
A: He is very supportive of us and what we do.
Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?
A: Don’t say you can’t until you try it.
Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?
A: Double leg.
Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?
A: Me, I love to sing and with the girls I’m just me and will do anything around them.
Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?
A: Amit Elor, she is an Olympic champion and I feel it would be cool to do that even though she is 40lbs bigger.
Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?
A: Immortal by 21 Savage
Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?
A: Science
Q: What is your dream school/university?
A: Iowa
Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?
A: Any Chinese restaurant
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Australia, I’ve always wanted to go there and see all of the different animals they have.
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?
A: Singing or hanging out with my friends.