RWC student Jeff Madden is a member of the UC wrestling team and is ranked 52nd out of 850 wrestlers in the conference. The following is an interview I conducted with Jeff.Activist: What conference/competitive circuit are you part of?
J.M.: The NCWA, which stands for the National Collegiate Wrestling Association.
Activist: How long have you been wrestling?
J.M.: Oh man, since I was four. So, about a long time now, I’d say fifteen or sixteen years.
Activist: Where did you get your start with the sport?
J.M.: Well, my dad was a wrestling coach, and my brother wrestled so I ended up taggin’ along.
Activist: Did you and your brother fight a lot then, being that both of you were wrestlers?
J.M.: Not too much; we were pretty supportive of each other. Although, nowadays we are pretty competitive. I can beat him though.
Activist: What are some challenges you have come across in your time in the sport?
J.M.: Just battling injuries and cutting weight for competition really.
Activist: What is your favorite aspect of the sport?
J.M.: The concept of mixing control and freedom of action at the same time is really appealing to me. Plus, I like to win.
Activist: What goals have you set for yourself this year?
J.M.: My goal this year is to be a national qualifier and place at the national level tournament.
Activist: Who would you say is your biggest influence? Who was your role model growing up?
J.M.: My dad, definitely.
Activist: If you could be any Ninja Turtle, which one would you be and why?
J.M.: I would be Leonardo, because I have leadership qualities and sword skills.