Three Blugolds from the men’s wrestling team will be attending the NCAA Championship on March 10 and 11 in Roanoke, Virginia. 

All three Blugolds and coaches are looking forward to the Championship. Tim Fader, the men’s wrestling head coach, said that the NCAA Championship is the most exciting weekend of the season. 

Tyler Fleetwood, a third-year business management student, said he prioritizes multiple things inside and outside of practice. 

“Practice is just a small part of our training,” Fleetwood said. “My diet and sleep are both main focuses for me, as well.”

Previously, Fleetwood has been an NCAA Championship qualifier as well as the Wheaton Invitational champion in the 133-pound weight class, according to blugolds.com. 

Jared Stricker, a second-year business student, will also be attending this year’s NCAA Championship. 

According to Stricker, the team has always shown up for each other and fostered a supportive environment. 

“Even if they’re not wrestling, my teammates are always there, cheering each other on,” Stricker said. 

Stricker received the Rookie of the Year award, WIAC Newcomer of the year, qualified for the 2022 NCAA Championship and was the Spartan Mat Classic champion. Additionally, He won this year’s Wheaton Invitational in the 174-pound weight class, according to blugolds.com. 

Tristan Massie, a third-year finance and accounting student, qualified for the championship, as well. 

Massie makes his mindset a priority when he wrestles. 

“I’m looking forward to competing,” Massie said. “I love the sport and I can’t wait for another chance to represent my school, my team and the guys that I’ve been practicing with all year.”

According to blugold.com, Massie has been a National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American for three years. Massie was also the 8-Man Battle champion in the 157-pound weight class. 

”These guys make a lot of sacrifices when it comes to the typical college lifestyle to be good college wrestlers,” Fader said. “Academically, we have an incredibly strong team. We’ve had 30 scholars in the last three years.”

According to Fader, most of the wrestlers intend on driving to Virginia to support the three qualifiers. 

“There’s a lot of pressure for athletes to win,” Fader said. “When they focus on winning all the time, it’s easy to lose motivation. If you put in your best effort, you are able to feel satisfied with your performance, no matter the result.”

Fleetwood said that he loves getting to travel with his team.

“The traveling aspect has been a big highlight,” Fleetwood said. “It’s great to be able to have so many new experiences with the guys.”

According to Massie, the wrestlers and coaches pride themselves on their hard work and drive throughout the season.  

“My coaches and teammates believe in me and have poured a lot into me,” Massie said. “They’ve helped me by watching film, correcting my technique and telling me that I have what it takes to be there.” 

The coaches and fellow wrestlers are excited to see wrestlers from their team at the NCAA Championship, according to Fader.

“The support system in Eau Claire is great,” Fleetwood said. “My teammates and coaches support me inside and outside of the room. I can count on them to help me in wrestling and in other aspects of my life.” 

To keep up with the men’s wrestling team, visit blugolds.com. 

Allessi can be reached at [email protected].