Athlete Spotlight: Matt Koch of Armstrong

NAME: Matt Koch

GRADE: 12

WEIGHT CLASS: 160-152
 
How has your wrestling season gone so far?

Koch: "I started off the season a little rough, but once I got back in the swing of things, I feel I have slowly improved as the season has gone on."

How does it feel to be ranked and how does that affect the competition when you step out on the mat?

Koch: "It was a definitely a confidence booster. It's nice to see that my hard work has paid off. At the same time, there's a bigger target on my back everytime I step out on the mat."

Who has helped you achieve what you've done in wrestling?

Koch: "Definitley my coaches and my dad. They've both been very supportive to me over the years and have always pushed me to do my best."

What are your goals for this season?

Koch: "My biggest one is to make it to the state tournament and make a run there."

Besides wrestling, what other sports do you play during the year?

Koch: "I play football and lacrosse too, so I keep busy!"

Who was your favorite athlete growing up and why?

Koch: "David Taylor, a great collegiate wrestler currently at Penn State because he dominates opponents."

How would you describe yourself in three words or less?

Koch: "Hardworking, funny and sincere."

What is your favorite movie?

Koch: "Remember the Titans."

Do you have a favorite sports memory that sticks out to you?

Koch: "This last year, during one of my football games, against Park Center when I got my first interception and almost ran it back for a touchdown."

What’s an item you’d like to check off your bucket list in the next year?

Koch: "I haven't started one yet. I don't plan on kicking it quite yet!"

If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why?

Koch: "It'd be the top of Mount Everest. I think it'd be so cool to go somewhere that not too many people have gone. Also its top of the word, which is pretty awesome."

What are your plans next year (going to college? majoring in? playing sports?)

Koch: "As of now I'm going to be attending University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire. I'm interested in majoring in international business, and someday hope to do some sort of study abroad program. They also have a wrestling team, so I might check that out as well!"