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Meet the Freshmen: Andrew Sparks
10/20/2020 1:14:00 PM | Wrestling
Most people would not have picked Andrew Sparks to win in his state title match last season, but in Andrew's mind, it was all a part of the plan. The Costa Mesa, California native capped off his astronomical rise in the high school wrestling scene by defeating top 5-nationally ranked Cael Valencia in the California state finals via a decisive 7-1 decision (Watch on Youtube).
In turn, the once unknown grappler, who didn't start wrestling until 8th grade, quickly became one of the most highly touted recruits in the late stages of the Class of 2020 recruiting cycle, and after signing with the University of Minnesota in April, Sparks now has the opportunity to compete for an NCAA Division I wrestling program.
Now, as Andrew Sparks looks to continue his career in the Maroon & Gold, allow us here at GopherSports to introduce you to the incoming freshman.
GopherSports: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Sparks: The University of Minnesota has one of the best wrestling programs in the country. It is also a very good school academically, so I believe it has all the tools I need to become successful.
GS: What makes you the most excited about being a Golden Gopher?
Sparks: I am excited about being able to compete in the Big Ten and wrestling against the best competition in the nation.
GS: How would you describe your wrestling style?
Sparks: I think that I am a very aggressive and offensive wrestler.
GS: Do you have any other hobbies or special interests?
Sparks: My favorite thing to do would be surfing
GS: What is your planned major?
Sparks: My major is going to be Kinesiology.
Favorites:
Favorite Gopher Wrestler of All-Time: Brock Lesnar
Favorite Athlete: Jordan Burroughs
Favorite Music: Country
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Sports Team: New England Patriots
In turn, the once unknown grappler, who didn't start wrestling until 8th grade, quickly became one of the most highly touted recruits in the late stages of the Class of 2020 recruiting cycle, and after signing with the University of Minnesota in April, Sparks now has the opportunity to compete for an NCAA Division I wrestling program.
Now, as Andrew Sparks looks to continue his career in the Maroon & Gold, allow us here at GopherSports to introduce you to the incoming freshman.
GopherSports: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Sparks: The University of Minnesota has one of the best wrestling programs in the country. It is also a very good school academically, so I believe it has all the tools I need to become successful.
GS: What makes you the most excited about being a Golden Gopher?
Sparks: I am excited about being able to compete in the Big Ten and wrestling against the best competition in the nation.
GS: How would you describe your wrestling style?
Sparks: I think that I am a very aggressive and offensive wrestler.
GS: Do you have any other hobbies or special interests?
Sparks: My favorite thing to do would be surfing
GS: What is your planned major?
Sparks: My major is going to be Kinesiology.
Favorites:
Favorite Gopher Wrestler of All-Time: Brock Lesnar
Favorite Athlete: Jordan Burroughs
Favorite Music: Country
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Sports Team: New England Patriots
Highlights: Gophers 26, NDSU 9
Sunday, December 07
Highlights: Gophers 23, Little Rock 9
Friday, December 05
Highlights: Gophers 14, SDSU 18
Tuesday, November 25
Coach's Corner with Brandon Eggum
Sunday, November 23