By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire
Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Mikel Burnette-Smith, East Lansing High’s senior wrestler in the 150-157 pound division. Here is what he had to say about his wrestling experience in Meet the Trojans Q&A:
Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?
A: My mom because she saw it one day on a poster and signed me up.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?
A: All my wrestling coaches.
Q: What do you love most about wrestling?
A: The bond you make with your team.
Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?
A: Practice everyday and extra running on the days off.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?
A: Hurting my arm and my leg.
Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?
A: I felt good stepping out there trying something new.
Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?
A: Winning against some good competition.
Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?
A: It feels good. As a team I want to make at least regionals because the team is working hard this year. As individual my goal is States and to place.
Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?
A: Helped me become more organized and learn how to balance two things at once.
Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?
A: To me it means just showing what my schools about in whatever sport I do.
Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?
A: Discipline is a big one because you can get humbled really quickly on the mat and you got to have that discipline to not react poorly.
Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?
A: We work together and well. There’s no drama and we always get the work done.
Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?
A: Thomas Woodward. He shared to me that it doesn’t matter about rankings it matters how hard you wrestle.
Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?
A: He understands and listens if there’s a problem to help build the team chemistry.
Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?
A: Don’t give up. It gets hard at times but it teaches you more than anything else.
Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?
A: Ankle pic, or the “stack”
Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?
A: Yes. I ran around the mat to waste time.
Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?
A: Probably one of the girls singing sea.
Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?
A: Spencer Lee to know what I need to do to improve.
Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?
A: Lil brudda by vonoff1700
Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?
A: History
Q: What is your dream school/university?
A: Penn State
Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?
A: Texas Roadhouse, or Boiling Pots
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: To Mexico
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?
A: Cooking
Raul Garcia