7 Minutes with Mike Morin of Southern Maine

Mike Morin, a senior at the University of Southern Maine and the number 1 ranked wrestler in the NCAA Division 3 165# weight class. He holds the distinction of starting off the season as University of Southern Maine’s first #1 Ranked wrestler in the NCAA as well as being USM’s first to achieve All-American status. He finally reached the top of his division during his junior campaign carrying an undefeated record into NCAA’s and placing 4th. He was a National Qualifier and New England champion his sophomore year. Going for his third Division 3 New England title Mike is being coached by Joseph Pistone (Division 2 All-American at American International College) who will look to assist Mike in his quest for a NCAA National title and continue his unblemished season record. The next competition he will be competing in is the Ted Reese invitational at USM this weekend.

TOM: What brought you to the University of Southern Maine?

MM: When I was looking at schools Southern Maine had a lot of the things I wanted in a school and wrestling program. As far as the school goes it is a smaller school with small classes something that was important to me, and also it was close to home. I liked the wrestling program right off too. I had known Coach Pistone for a few years and liked his enthusiasm and coaching style, and I liked what he was doing with the program at USM, basically building it from the ground up. I knew I could have an immediate impact and really make a difference in the program, which I liked as well.

TOM: What would you say is the biggest difference moving from High School to College wrestling?

MM: I would say the biggest difference from moving from high school to college is how much more physical college wrestling is. There is a lot more hand fighting in college, and overall the college season is a lot longer and can really ware on you if are not prepared for it.

TOM: What advice would you give to an up and coming wrestler?

MM: I would tell an up and coming wrestler just to work hard and to try to get as much mat time as possible. Not to worry so much about wins and losses, but to just try to improve every day. I think it is also important to be exposed to different techniques and styles from different coaches at camps or clinics, and use what works best for them.

TOM: MMA good or bad for wrestling and why?

MM: I think overall it is good for the sport of wrestling. People are becoming aware that some of the best MMA stars have wrestling backgrounds and that will only help grow our sport. It also gives wrestlers a place to go with their talent after they are done wrestling, and maybe make a career out of it.

TOM: To date what is your most memorable match and why?

MM: My most memorable match was at last year’s NCAA tournament. It was in the All-American round when I beat Matt Curley of Heidelberg. By winning that match I became USM’s first All-American, a goal I’ve had since my freshman year.

TOM: What are your long term goals in wrestling?

MM: Seeing how this is my last year in college I want to win a national title, but after this year I really want to get into coaching. It is something that I’ve always wanted to get into and I think I will really enjoy it.

TOM: What things do you use in daily life that you have learned from wrestling?

MM: I think wrestling teaches you so many things that you apply to everyday life. Some of the things include hard work, commitment, and dedication. I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned from wrestling though is to be accountable. Whether it is in school, work, etc. wrestling teaches you to be accountable for your actions because in wrestling there is no one to really rely on or blame for short comings.