By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire
Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Michael Ray Gilmore, Lansing Eastern High’s sophomore wrestler in the 285 pound division. Here is what he had to say about his wrestling experience in Meet the Quakers Q&A:
Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?
A: Coach A.P.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?
A: My family.
Q: What do you love most about wrestling?
A: The coaches.
Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?
A: A lot of intense training and drilling.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?
A: Doing the wrong moves.
Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?
A : I felt pretty good but still knew I need work.
Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?
A: Getting third place in Ionia for varsity.
Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?
A: It feels great and I just want to get better and for us to all improve.
Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?
A: Myself confidence at school and in sports.
Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?
A: To show great citizenship and sportsmanship.
Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?
A: That everything is going to be a challenge.
Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?
A: I say we’re pretty strong and aggressive.
Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?
A: Arnold Pulliam and “That life is a challenge, but face it’s challenges and win.”
Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?
A: The determination and dedication he has.
Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?
A: That it’s rough at the beginning, but push forward for greatness.
Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?
A: Duck under to high C, and no it doesn’t.
Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?
A: No.
Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?
A: Cayden Root, and probably sing Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus.
Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?
A: Fluffy the comedian because it would be a funny match. I imagine him telling jokes in a middle of our match.
Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?
A: Mr. Brightside by the Killers
Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?
A: Anything Science
Q: What is your dream school/university?
A: To go to MSU
Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?
A: Buffalo Wild Wings
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee.
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?
A: I enjoy playing video games.