Mike Salopek goes 7 Minutes with TOM

Redshirt Freshman Mike Salopek is looking to make a name for himself at the University of Virginia and he is fresh off a 3rd place performance at the tough Southern Scuffle. The North Huntingdon, Pa. native is coming off a 14-5 (in open tournaments) redshirt year and has his sights set on becoming an All-American and National Champion for the Cavaliers.

TOM: Describe your first wrestling match.

MS: I wrestled my first match when I was 6 years old. I remember crying because I was so nervous to go out on the mat. My opponent had cool shoes and knee pads so I assumed that he was really good (why I thought cool shoes means you’re good I have no idea). My coaches eventually talked me into wrestling and I went on to win the match. I described my match to everyone after words as “Did you see me beat the kid with the cool shoes!?”

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

MS: The third and fourth place match of PIAA states my junior year. I had a very disappointing loss in the semi finals, and was able to bounce back and beat a returning state champ for third.

TOM: What brought you to Virginia?

MS: I chose UVA for several reasons. Most importantly it is one of the best academic schools in the country. I was able to build a strong relationship with Coach Garland and Moore through out the recruiting process; I loved their intensity and enthusiasm towards the team. After my recruiting visit the decision was easy, after meeting the guys on the team I could see how high their expectations were and wanted to be apart of the program that was on the rise.

TOM: What are you most looking forward to this upcoming season?

MS: Just being able to compete and travel with my teammates. I red shirted last year so I’m looking forward wearing that orange singlet and helping my team to win some matches.

TOM: How have you improved from last season to this one? What helped that improvement?

MS: Making the decision to redshirt last year helped me out tremendously. I was able to focus and improve on several of my weaker points like finishing shots, critiquing my riding and learning some turns. It also helped me with the transition from high school to college wrestling.

TOM: What are your long term goals in wrestling?

MS: My main goal is to become an All-American and National Champion. After college I may want to coach but I’m not sure yet.

TOM: MMA good or bad for wrestling and why?

MS: I think that MMA is great for wrestling. It is easy to see that most of the dominant MMA fighters have a strong wrestling background. I think that people are starting to notice this, which is helping to promote the sport of wrestling.

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

MS: I would say to work hard and be a student of the sport. Study wrestling like you study for a test. Be open to learn from anyone that you can. Keep a notebook to write things down in; what you’ve learned, things you need to work on, that way you don’t forget things and have something to look back on. If you’re young, don’t cut weight and have fun. If it isn’t fun, you’ll most likely get burnt out later on in your career.

TOM: As a recruit what were the main things you considered why picking a school?

MS: The main thing I looked at was academics, followed by the coaching staff and team. I was lucky enough to have my parents to help guide me to make the right decisions throughout the recruiting process. Fortunately, UVA was a school that was not only great academically, but had a great coaching staff and team as well.

TOM: What person has had the biggest impact on your wrestling career and why?

MS: Before I came to UVA I would have to say Rob Waller. He had been my club coach from the time I was nine and all through high school. I owe much of my success to him. If I hadn’t gone to his club I don’t think I would have been in the position I was in to get recruited by schools like Virginia. Obviously Coach Garland has had a great impact on my career since I have been at Virginia. I think that I am a completely different wrestler than I was before coming here. He has taught me so many things that have attributed to my success on and off the mat.