National Champions Q&A: Brad Vering
John Fuller/TheMat.com
Brad Vering of the New York AC has been atop the U.S. ladder for three straight years now. The former NCAA champion at Nebraska quickly adjusted to life as a Greco-Roman wrestler, placing fifth in the 2002 and 2003 World Championships, but he was defeated in his pool in the Olympic Games last year.
Now, with most of last year’s Olympic Team retiring, the 27 year-old Vering becomes the veteran of the Greco-Roman squad in the U.S., a challenge he is ready to take on.
TheMat.com spoke to Vering about the expectations laid upon his shoulders and his thoughts on the new Greco-Roman rules.
TheMat.com: You’ve now won three straight U.S. Nationals titles. How have you been able to stay ahead of your U.S. competition consistently?
Vering: Simple. The last few years while living in Colorado Springs, I have had the best coaches and training partners in the U.S. Training day-in and day-out with the likes Justin Ruiz, Phil Johnston, Darryl Christian and TC Dantzler always keeps you on your toes. My coach, Momir Petkovic, always makes sure we are doing the right things to become champions. I have also tried to get as many trips overseas as possible and improve my game every day.
TheMat.com: For the last few years in Vegas, you have pretty much seen the same faces over and over. Was it refreshing to have a newer face in Keith Sieracki, even though he is a veteran, in the finals against you?
Vering: Keith is a very tough competitor and is always a challenge. But that is why I do this. I love the intensity, the battles and the pressure that that tournament presents.
TheMat.com: You placed fifth at the 2002 and 2003 World Championships, but did not place at the Olympic Games. How disappointing was that for you?
Vering: It was crushing. Even though I had only wrestled Greco full time for about two years, I still expected success in Athens. I believe my experience in Greece will fuel the fire to do great things in the future.
TheMat.com: Now that you are somewhat the veteran of Greco-Roman in the U.S. now, do you feel any added pressure on you to perform?
Vering: Some, because I am expected to win no matter the situation. But that is what I really enjoy. I like high pressure situations, and I feel like I am at my best in those matches.
TheMat.com: So far, have the new rules catered to your style at all?
Vering: It all depends which rules you are talking about. I have had some success this spring and last fall, but the rules change as quickly as the seasons around here. The most important thing is to enjoy the battle and everything will work out in the end. I am doing my best to stay positive and fresh mentally.
TheMat.com: We saw some rule testing at the Asian Championships recently, where after one minute of no scoring in a period, each wrestler received 30 seconds in par terre starting in a reverse lift position. What are your thoughts of these new rules?
Vering: Bring it on! Maybe next month we will be allowed one low single per match. I think I can handle that.
TheMat.com: In your mind, what is the biggest key to winning a match?
Vering: Sadly, it may in many instances come down to a coin flip. But other times it will come down to scoring when the opportunity is there and staying tough on bottom. It’s going to get very ugly in Ames.
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