10 Questions With … Jake O’Brien
Freshman grappler recalls favorite childhood show, complete with heroes in a half-shell
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Each week throughout the 2004-2005 wrestling season, one wrestler will be chosen at random to answer 10 equally random questions developed by Purdue’s Sports Information office. This week’s random wrestler is freshman heavyweight, interviewed by student assistant Erin Myers.
1. So today is officially a holiday, Groundhog Day … do you think the groundhog is going to see its shadow for six more weeks of winter?
Oh, he’ll probably see his shadow … I mean, come on. We are just starting February and you know there’s so much cold weather ahead. I just know there’s going to be more winter, unfortunately.
2. Speaking of holidays, what is your favorite holiday … maybe Groundhog Day?
Haha … no way. It’d definitely be Christmas, mainly because I get to see my entire family and usually everyone is in a good mood. It’s just not quite the same on other holidays.
3. What has been the happiest moment of your life so far?
I’d have to say that it was when I won the state title in high school … it was great.
Which year, Mr. Three-Time State Champ?
Haha … it would have to be my sophomore year because no one, myself included, expected that I would win the state title that year. Plus, it was my first title and I was only a sophomore.
4. Speaking of state titles, do you ever look back and think it’s funny that when you won the state title as a sophomore, future teammates Nate Moore and Ben Wissel were state champions alongside you?
It’s funny you bring that up because coach Reyes was talking about that just the other day, how ironic and crazy it was that I was a sophomore, Nate was a junior, and Ben was a senior, all state champions the same year and all future wrestlers for Purdue. We were all one weight class apart and you see our picture where all the state champs are together and we’re right in a row and ended up being teammates here at Purdue.
5. What was one fad, style or trend that you followed when you were younger that you look back on now and say, “What was I thinking?”?
Well, I was a huge fan of the Power Rangers. I had all the action figures and everything.
I liked them, too … but did you ever pretend you were a Power Ranger?
I’m sure I did, but we won’t talk about that.
6. This Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday … any big plans or predictions?
I’ll watch the game, but it would’ve been a lot better if the Colts had been in the game. I’m sure a bunch of the guys will get together to watch the game, but I don’t have any definite plans yet. My prediction is that the Patriots will win, though … they’re unstoppable.
Are you looking forward more to the game or the commercials?
That’s a tough one, but I really want to see the game, I really do. The commercials are always good, though.
7. If you had the choice between a skiing or beach vacation, which would you choose and why?
Wait, are we talking water-skiing?
No, snow skiing.
Oh, then definitely the beach. I went snow skiing once when I was in fifth grade or something, and I didn’t really like it. Besides, I like warmer weather better than colder weather.
8. Texas Hold `Em or Euchre?
Texas Hold `Em, no question. I love poker … I play with the guys a lot, usually.
9. Okay, we’ll get a little more serious for just a moment … how have you liked your first season as a starter for the squad?
I’ve liked it a lot. It’s been really tough, especially lately, but I enjoy it a lot. I think my best tournament was the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational … I had a great time out in Vegas, not only wrestling, but it’s a neat place to visit, too.
10. And back to being less serious … what was your favorite cartoon when you were growing up back in the day?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I was a huge Turtles fan … I had a lot of the action figures and stuff, just like with the Power Rangers, but you can’t go wrong with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
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