Wrestling coach enjoys new facility, looks forward to season
By Leroy Bridges
Q&A with wrestling coach Jessie Reyes. The Purdue wrestling team began practicing in its new training facility on Thursday.
Q: How does it feel to finally practice in the new wrestling facility?
A: It feels great. Words can’t describe the feeling. The facility is really great because it allows us to practice as a team now. It is spacious enough for everyone to be together and we have plenty of room because there aren’t any pillars in the middle of the room.
Also, injured wrestlers who have to sit out have room to stay and watch practice instead of leaving like before. Training-wise it is fantastic because before we had to move equipment in and out all the time, but now we have anything we need in one place.
Q: How much will this facility help the program’s recruiting?
A: Before recruits were crammed into the room if they wanted to watch practice. Now, recruits can move around and watch practice. There is plenty of room for anyone.
I can’t see how it can hurt us. We may not see immediate effects in recruiting but down the road it will help us. Recruits will start talking about the new facility and it can be used as a great recruiting tool. Then, once you get them in to Purdue they can see how great the facility really is and it gets them talking about it, too.
Q: Does the new facility show that the athletics department is committed to wrestling? And, if so, how does it feel?
A: It feels great to know that the University is supporting what you are pouring your passion into. And it will help us because it shows a commitment from our athletics department. It’s not that the commitment wasn’t there before but some had a perception that it wasn’t. And now everyone can see that Purdue cares about Boilermaker wrestling.
The biggest thing to me is that the alumni stepped up and helped with the cost of the facility and that shows strong support. And anytime you have strong support from the alumni the athletic department will continue to support your sport.
Q: How excited are you about the upcoming season with all of the talent on the roster and with the new wrestlers entering the program?
A: We feel great. We have to develop our young guys right away but we will be fine with that because I am expecting a lot of the veterans to step up and help out.
I am also expecting (senior) Ben Wissel and (senior) Doug Withstandley and (junior) Nathan Moore to start looking at being national champions. I want them to be working to be on that podium at the end of the season.
Anything is possible for this team. Our University (goal) is to be a top 25 team, but we can do better than that and we know it.
Q: What is the eligibility status of all-American Chris Fleeger?
A: No word yet. He is on track to get back but nothing has been said or determined until we get the green light on him. If and when he gets cleared we can get real excited because he would be tremendous for us.
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