MADISON, Wis. – Senior Kyle Ruschell is currently the No. 2 wrestler in the country at 149 lbs.
He has an impressive 10-0 record overall and a 5-0 mark in dual matches on the year, including a pin and a major decision victory.
His biggest accomplishment of the year came with a first-place finish at the Cliff Keen Invite in Primm, Nev., on Dec. 3 and 4.
As he prepares to compete at the Midlands Championship on Tuesday and Wednesday in Evanston, Ill.,
Ruschell sat down with UWBadgers.com recently to answer a few questions.
UWBadgers.com: You finished first at the Cliff Keen Invite. How did that feel for you?
Ruschell: It felt really good. It was my first collegiate tournament win so it felt real good to get on top of that podium again, that’s for sure.
UWBadgers.com: How much confidence does a win like that give you moving forward?
Ruschell: It gives me a lot of confidence. There were a lot of good competitors there, and it reassured me that the stuff I’m doing is right. The next tournament [the Midlands Championship] is a really big one because I believe the No. 1 and No. 3-ranked wrestlers are going to be there.
UWBadgers.com: You made it to the finals of the Midlands last year. Does that help you this year, knowing what to expect?
Ruschell: Yeah it does. At the same time, I’m just anxious to wrestle those top guys, especially [Iowa's Brent] Metcalf because he’s real tough and ranked No. 1, so he’s the guy I need to beat.
UWBadgers.com: You’re a fifth-year senior. You’ve seen a lot in your time with the program. How would you assess the team at this point compared to last year?
Ruschell: We have a lot of young guys and they’re starting to do things right. If they keep that up, we’re just going to keep getting better as a program in the years to come. It’s going to be great to see.
UWBadgers.com: With having such a young team and you being a fifth-year senior and a captain, have you seen yourself taking on a leadership role?
Ruschell: Definitely. I’ve had a lot of guys asking me questions or if I see someone not doing something right on the mat, I’ll go over and show them so they’re doing the right stuff.
UWBadgers.com: Are you comfortable in that position?
Ruschell: Yeah, I’m pretty good friends with most of the guys on the team. I feel that if I can help them in one way, then that is going to make the team better.
UWBadgers.com: The holidays are approaching. What are your plans?
Ruschell: I’m only going to be home for about three days because I have a test on Tuesday, so I don’t have much planned. My dad was my high school coach and my little brother is on the team, so I’ll probably go there a few times to lift and stay in shape.
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