University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Friday: Steve Polakowski
5/29/2015 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Among the Gophers who redshirted this past season, Steve Polakowski was part of a select group that won multiple tournaments. While winning two tournaments one year removed from wrestling high school competition deserves attention, the way Polakowski captured those crowns is particularly noteworthy. At the Daktronics Open last fall, his first event collegiate event, Polakowski knocked off teammates Ethan Lizak and Skyler Petry to win the 125 title. Later in the season, Polakowski took first place at the Wisconin Open at 133, making him the only Gopher to win tournaments at two different weights this season. In all, injuries limited him to just 11 matches on the year but, by most measures, an 8-3 campaign with two championships is a successful rookie campaign. GopherSports.com caught up with Polakowski earlier this summer to talk about his first year in Dinkytown.
What was it like to transition from high school wrestling to college wrestling?
It took a little while when I first got here because it seemed like everyone was just beating me up a little bit. There are those days when you just get beat up, especially because the freshmen are doing extra workouts. You're tired because you're working out every morning, then going to practice. It wears on you a little bit. But one day it seemed like I was starting to keep up with the other guys. It just started clicking. It was right before we started competing, so it was really nice to feel that right before competition started.
Mentally, how do you deal with that transition?
What happens in the room, happens in the room. It has nothing do to with how I compete. In general, I compete way better than I practice in the room, so I'm used to having those harder days in the room then going out and putting it together.
Did the coaches or the older guys have advice for you when you were struggling?
They kept telling us in practice that it'll take time but you'll definitely get there and you just can't worry too much about one individual day or one individual go. It will click, it just takes a little time.
What do you remember from your first collegiate tournament?
It was a little harder to make 25 than I expected because my weight was pretty low when I first got here then I got a little bit bigger right before competition. One match turned into two good matches and then it just kept going. I feel like once I get into the zone or I feel good, I wrestle well for a whole tournament. I got into the right mindset and was able to wrestle really well.
What are some of the differences you felt wrestling at 25 and wrestling at 33 this season?
It's not bumping up like in high school. The first time I bumped up I thought 'this is a harder than I expected.' Then I had a feel for it. I knew guys were bigger and I couldn't move them as much as I'm used to at 25. I was able to wrestle well at 33 the second time and got to beat one of my Illinois rivals. It was fun to wrestle him and get a win. He always beat me in high school.
How did you have to transform yourself as a wrestler to change weight classes in the middle of the season?
At the first tournament [at 133], guys were just whipping me on my back because I was way smaller than them. But the second time I realized I have to be a bit smarter with how I wrestle. I can't just take big risks. I have to be smart.
How do you feel you've became a better wrestler over the course of the year?
A lot of it's mental. I'm willing to do more and work harder than I did in high school. I can tell by the pace I wrestle at, how I always try to score more points. Once you can mentally push yourself to that pace, it feels good and it's fun.
What are your plans for this summer?
I'm going to work the J Rob camps and put on a little bit of size.
