University of Minnesota Athletics
Meet the Freshman: Blaine Brenner
10/28/2021 3:56:00 PM | Wrestling
We are back again with our fourth installment of our "Meet the Freshman" series for the 2021 incoming class. This week, we highlight our second-straight Wisconsin native.
Brenner is a three-time state champion from Stanley-Boyd high school, finishing his high school career on a 91-match win streak. He also recently earned All-American honors after placing sixth at USA Junior Nationals in Fargo this past summer.
GopherSports: First question, what made you decide that the University of Minnesota was the right palace for you?
Brenner: The main reason I chose here was definitely the coaches. They aren't just coaches, they treat you like a family. We've gotten close and they have my best interest in mind, and that's what's going to help me get better.
GS: Talk about some of the relationships that you've made with guys on the team, whether it be the new guys in your incoming class or some of the veterans on the team.
Brenner: Yeah, just yesterday we were talking about what the difference is between a good team and a great team. You know a good team is good at what they do, and this is a great school. We're good at what we do, but a great team is the connection that we have, and here everybody gets along, and that atmosphere is really strong here.
GS: We have quite a bit of depth in the lower weight classes, so who are some of the guys you've been working with in the room to get better?
Brenner: Yeah really I've just been trying to wrestle with as many as the upperclassmen that I can, so that I can gain that experience and knowledge that they have. Really anybody between my two weight classes is who I want to work with.
GS: With how young our team is, what excites you when you look forward to the next couple years?
Brenner: I'm just super excited to get to work with everybody. Everyone here has quite a bit of eligibility left, and I look at that as more time I get to spend getting better with them and sharpening the sword.
GS: For the fans, describe how you approach each match and where you think your strengths are as a wrestler?
Brenner: I think I'm a really clingy wrestler. I have big hands so if I get a hold of you, it's really tough to get away. So, each match I just like getting a hold of people, wrapping them up, and taking them down.
GS: In your eyes, has there been an adjustment period for you coming from high school into a college room and describe what that experience has been like?
Brenner: Yeah, I think the biggest thing for me is just learning the positioning. I'm trying to really slow things down and grasp these new techniques that I need to jump to the next better.
GS: Recently, you're coming off of All-American honors in Fargo and multiple state titles in your high school career. Do you feel like you've gained any sort of momentum heading into your college career with those types of results?
Brenner: Yeah, I mean there's been a huge jump from then to now, but it does give me a little boost of confidence. I know that every freshman across the country is going through the same thing as me, but if I keep working hard I can get to the top just like I did in my high school career.
GS: Final question, when you think about your college career, is there anything that you're looking to accomplish in your college career.
Brenner: "I mean, I have all kinds of goals but until I step on the mat and compete, it's hard to know where I stand. Right now, my focus is just on getting better, and working harder than anybody else in order to get to the top.