By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire
Lansing News Wire caught up with Katalina Grace Thompson, junior wrestler from Eaton Rapids High competing in the 145-pound division. Here’s what she had to say about her wrestling journey in this edition of Meet the Lady Greyhouds Q&A:
Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?
A: My coach from gymnastics thought I would be good at it so I tried it out.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?
A: Robby Thompson.
Q: What do you love most about wrestling?
A: Wrestling duals with my teammates.
Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?
A: Practice Monday-Friday.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?
A: Being able to come back after a defeat.
Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?
A: I wrestled my first match ever at Howell high school and I was insanely nervous but very excited at the same time.
Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?
A: Getting my first banner.
Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?
A: It feels good to be back together and my goal is to make it to States.
Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?
A: It helped me grow as a person because it helps me handle multiple things at once and has made me a more of a punctual person.
Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?
A: It means wherever you go you are representing your school/ team so you need to act right when you are out in public.
Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?
A: To be determined.
Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?
A: We have a strong team and we are all close together.
Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?
A: Robby Thompson and the advice he gave me is, “in the last period, the one who wins is the one that wants it the most.”
Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?
A: That he is able to coach and learn all of my teammates learning styles.
Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?
A: Go for it, and don’t give up, no matter what keep going.
Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?
A: A fireman’s and I think it has a cool name.
Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?
A: Yes, I tried to do a spin move on Maggie Buurma and it didn’t really work out so I started laughing in the match.
Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?
A: Anna Davis and she would sing Tweaker by LiAngelo Ball
Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?
A: Ian Somerhalder
Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?
A: Let it Happen by Tame Impala
Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?
A: Math
Q: What is your dream school/university?
A: University of Michigan
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: I would go to Greece.
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?
A: I like to go shopping and hang out with friends.