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***One on One with coach(es) Mike DeRoehn & Nick Matiash:

Q: How do you feel so far about this year's group?

M:  I think we have a solid “core” group, with a few who are still questioning their commitment level.  The guys that are dedicating themselves are showing steady progress with their gains in st rength and conditioning.  I truly feel that their off/early season work should pay large dividends in February at the conference tournament.

 
N:  From what I have seen so far, this group of guys seems like the type that get as much out of each practice as possible. They are already in great shape ph ysically, and are showing good focus in the wrestling room. In the next couple of months, I think the level of team unit will increase as we are getting on the mat more.

Q: What do you expect in these month's to come?

M:  I think we’ll have our share of up’s and down’s.  We have a tougher schedule than we did last ye ar, and that will be hard on some, but prepare them in the long run.  We wanted them to wrestle better competition so they are prepared to represent us at a higher level in Februar y and March, since that is really what we’re training for.  As long as we can keep the end result in mind, we’ll be just fine.

N:  We are just starting to form a bunch of wrestlers into the UW Oshkosh Wrestling team. That solidification will take place over the next couple of months.

Q: What does "A Commitment to Excellence " mean for this team?

M:   I think it’s different for everybody.  For me, it means giving it your all, day in and day out.  That includes showing up everyday, training intensely, taking personal responsibility for your academics, your training, and ultimately, your success.  Everyone needs to fi nd the best way to motivate themselves to attain excellence, and as you know, excellence is no easy thing to achieve.  That’s what’s great about wrestling…THERE ARE NO HANDOUTS.&n bsp; You need to work hard and earn your way to excellence.
 
N:   To this wrestling team, a commitment to excellence means that we count on everyone to demonstrate personal responsibility and dedication to there go als. When our athletes dedicate themselves to there goals, they start to achieve them. When they take responsibility for their actions, for their grades and every part of themselves then they become the type of person you want on your team. That is the co mmitment to excellence that will lead our team and anyone who associated with it towards success.

Q: How is the team preparing for our first open?

M:  We put a lot of time and energy into conditioning this fall.  Our captain, Sean Fortmann, did a nice job of running captains practices, and portrayed the commitment level it takes to succeed right away.  The team showed guts and determination when they completed the first annual “Titan Triathalon”.  I think they raised their quitting point that day and will have higher expectations of themselves from here on out.  Now we’re up in the room and we’ve got our work cut out for us again, as there is a BIG differen ce between being in shape, and being in “wrestling shape”.

 
N:  Nothing too fancy. We conditioned hard so our bodies are ready to practice hard. We challenged ourselves to be mentally tough. Right now, we are sharpenin g our basic skills.

Q: What is your favorite part of coaching this team?

M:  I don’t know if I could nail i t down to one thing.  I like coaching with Nick, as I feel we make a good team.  I also like just being able to help the individuals who want help.  It’s fun to see the progress of the guys who train hard and dedicate themselves to being the best wrestler that they can be.  I really enjoy getting up in the room and scrapping everyday too!!!

N:  We are not the kind of team that rides 3 or 4 superstars. We are more of a team that pulls together as a whole and needs a solid performance form ever yone. That is a challenge, but I think it is more rewarding for the team. When we win, it is a team effort and everyone shares in the accomplishment. I really enjoy coaching a team like that.

Q: What are you looking forward to for this season?

M:  I look forward to us peaking at the right time this year.  I felt that we had a terrific regular season last year, only to finish in the lower half at the conference tournament.  As Nick and I learn, I believe we are capable of achieving our goal of winning a conference title and being one of the top teams in the NCAA.

N:  One thing I am looking forward to is seeing guys who made dramatic improvements last season getting a fresh start. The start of the season is a chance for guys to have some "break out" matches, and establish themselves as a dominant wrestler. That is always exciting to see.  This season, we are also having "open practices" on Wednesdays. This means that practices are open to the public for watchin g. I think it will be a great chance for people to see what wrestling practice is all about.
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***Joel's Corner
The Titan wrestlers have been going at it strong for the past few weeks. They have been running stairs, doing sprints, buddy carries, bear crawls, and whatever else coach Matiash or DeRoehn can come up with. I’m sure the triathlon and lift-a-thon were just a few of the things up their sleeves. These wrestlers definitely have their work cut out for them. There will be many more challenges throughout the season.
Last week was our first week of room practice and things were off to a great start. We were able to work on technique and still have time for live wrestling and conditioning. Everyone was hungry for the action and the weeks of strength and conditioning really paid off. We will have two more weeks of intense pr actice before our first annual Dan Gable Endowment Open.
This weekend’s homecoming celebration will hopefully be a start to a yearly tradition. As coach Machionda mentioned, it is very important that we keep our wrestling alumni in touch with what is going on and who it is that they are supporting with their contributions. It will be a great time for former wrestler s to share stories of their glory days and their days as coaches and professionals.
I also just wanted to quickly mention that Ethan Krumnow was not in attendance for the Titan Triathlon because he was registered to run in a the Glacial 50K(31 M) Trail Run the next morning. He managed to finish the race just a few minutes over the 5 hour mark. Good job Ethan!

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~Dan Gable Commitment to Excellence Endowment
       The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Wrestling program is building and endowment with the help of Dan Gable.  Our first annual Dan Gable Open will be held at t he University of Wisconsin Oshkosh on Satruday, November 1st, 2003.  This endowment will ensure the future and stability of wrestling, not only at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, but in the entire WIAC.  Those wishing to contribute may do s o by sending your contribution to:    
                                 Dan Gable Commitment to Excellence
                                 Larry Marchionda
                                 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
                                 800 Algoma Blvd.
                                 Oshkosh, WI;  54901
                               Office Phone:     (920) 424-1201
 
October 20-25, 2003
titannews@wiwrestling.com
(920) 424-1201