Cole Konrad had a standard answer when it came to the standard question of how it felt knowing his final home dual meet with the Gophers wrestling team is 7 tonight against Michigan State at the Sports Pavilion.
“It’s weird how fast it flies by, “the heavyweight said. “It hasn’t really dawned on me.”
But Konrad added something else that seemed a little odd.
“I’ll try to perform a little better for the home crowd, “he said, “and step it up a bit.”
He was completely serious, which begged the question: Cole, you’ve won a school-record 63 consecutive matches. How exactly do you plan on stepping it up a bit?
Konrad laughed.
“Oh, I don’t know, “he said. “I’ll try to put on more of a show, and hopefully pick up some points quickly.”
It was a good recovery, but still: It’s hard for Konrad to outdo himself these days. Consider:
“¢ According to the Gophers, his 63 consecutive victories rank 15th in NCAA Division I wrestling history (teammate Dustin Schlatter is 16th with his current 56-match streak).
“¢ His 41-0 season last year, capped by an NCAA title, was just the third undefeated season in Gophers history.
“¢ If not for a shoulder injury that kept him out of a couple early tournaments this season, Konrad likely would have become the Gophers’ all-time leader in victories.
Perhaps never being satisfied is what keeps Konrad so focused. The native of Freedom, Wis., gives few clues off the mat. He’s so laid back that it’s surprising when you hear him say he relishes being in a position to determine the outcome of an entire match.
“Personality-wise, not really, “Konrad said, again with a laugh. “But since I’ve come here, I’ve seemed to step it up when the pressure is on. I really like it when it comes down to me. But I’m pretty laid back when I’m off the mat — definitely not someone you’d expect would want to be in the spotlight.”
Konrad also has grown into more of a leader. Though two other seniors, Juan Martinez and Danny Williams, also will be recognized in a ceremony during tonight’s intermission, Konrad is the only senior starter.
“I’ve been around the block, so to speak, with a lot of tournaments and things like that, “Konrad said. “With the younger guys, I frequently talk to them, especially when they’re struggling. We’ve all been through struggles.”
Konrad just hasn’t had to struggle too hard on the mat in a really long time.
MICHAEL RAND
Wrestling Gear
