University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Friday: Nate Rose
5/22/2015 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Growing up in Arlington, Minn., Nate Rose became one of the most dominant wrestlers in his age group. Not only did he earn four letters at Sibley East High as a wrestler, he claimed three consecutive Minnesota state titles to cap off his prep career. On the national circuit, Rose also earned three All-America honors from USA Wrestling and NHSCA before coming to the U of M. As happens with many freshmen during their first season in Division I wrestling, Rose found himself quickly shuffled from the top of the pecking order to near the bottom, now in a room where his three state titles made him about the average rather than extraordinary. GopherSports.com caught up with Rose recently to discuss that transition into college wrestling and what he's learned from this year that will carry him where he'd like to go in the years to come.
How would you describe the transition from high school wrestling to college wrestling?
For me, the biggest difference is the strength right now. In high school, I could out-wrestle people but now it's a different level. The competition's way better, even in the opens when the other guys aren't even starters. They're all at least state champions or multiple-time state champions.
What's it like to practice in the Gopher Wrestling room?
It's a mental game down there, for sure. I wrestle all the older guys and now it's my time to step up. It's definitely tough some days to walk out of there with your head up and have everything mentally together because you get beat pretty bad down there some times.
What advice did the older guys give you about the days when you get a little beat down?
Just keep your head up. They said they used to get their butt kicked quite a bit and that's where they started. Obviously, you look at how good they are now and it shows that if you keep going and working at it, you'll get somewhere that you want to be.
Reflect on your performance last season. How do you feel it went?
It was a learning year, from workouts to weight-cutting. I'll get through that. This next year, I have to work harder at that and stay in better shape because I want that spot.
Does any particular match from last season stand out to you?
I lost to two kids this year that I beat in high school. They're both a year or two older than me. It sucks but you gotta get through that and train harder than they do.
What about on the positive side - do you recall a match that went really well?
I had a pin early this year in my first match at Concordia. I came out and wrestled well. I felt really good, kind of like how I did in high school with how I could just throw around a guy. I pinned him in like a minute.
We discussed the transition from high school on the mat, but what was the transition like from high school to being a college student-athlete with academics in the mix?
In the summer, I had two classes and they went really well. So I figured I was ready. First semester wasn't that bad. I didn't have to worry too much about my grades. This last semester I took some harder classes. They're pretty tough but I'm getting through it.
What are you planning to work on over the summer to improve?
Get stronger and a little bit leaner. Keep working hard like how I've been working. I've been doing circuits the last couple of weeks and it seems to be getting better. Especially in the practice room. I can see the big change. Now I can take down the older guys.
What are your plans for the summer?
Training, working camps, and trying to have fun and relax a bit out of season. I've just gotta keep doing the same training I've been doing so I can be ready for next year.
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