By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire
Lansing News Wire caught up with Olivia Root, a senior wrestler from Holt High competing in the 120-pound division. Here’s what she had to say about her wrestling journey in this edition of Meet the Lady Rams Q&A:
Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?
A: My dad, he said it would get me in shape
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?
A: My coaches, especially coach Koort and coach Hafke.
Q: What do you love most about wrestling?
A: The excitement and nervousness it brings before a match.
Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?
A: I have practice 6 days a week and then sometimes on Monday I have extra practices.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?
A: Probably my own mindset against certain matches.
Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?
A: My first match, I was so nervous. I got pinned in 20 seconds but it was so fun.
Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?
A: When I made it to States.
Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?
A: I’m excited, it’s not the same without the girls from last year. Our team shouldn’t be too bad this year, I’m excited for myself, I should be back at the state tournament this year.
Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?
A: It’s taught me how to work better on myself.
Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?
A: It’s exciting and nice to have people know me.
Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?
A: Working hard.
Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?
A: We are pretty close this year and our strengths are some of our returners.
Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?
A: Coach Hafke, and he told me that I need to just keep wrestling.
Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?
A: Always being supportive and giving me the hard truth.
Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?
A: Stick it out and keep learning.
Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?
A: Probably the cradle.
Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?
A: I can’t really think of any right now.
Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?
A: Probably Ary, she would sing any pop song that’s trending.
Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?
A: I think I would wanna wrestle another athlete because I would wanna see if they would be able to do any moves.
Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?
A: Probably an ICP song.
Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?
A: Study of Film.
Q: What is your dream school/university?
A: I’m going to Davenport, but if nothing mattered I would love to go to Michigan.
Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?
A: Coaches
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?
A: Reading