University of Minnesota Athletics

Players Mentioned

184 lbs.
/ Wrestling
Max McEnelly
Photo by: Kelly Hagenson

Freshman Focus: Max McEnelly

12/18/2023 9:43:00 AM | Wrestling

There are seven newcomers to the Minnesota wrestling team for the 2023-24 season. In order to get to know them better, GopherSports.com is doing Q&As with each. Up next, Max McEnelly, a freshman from Waconia, Minn. McEnelly was a four-time Minnesota state champion for Waconia High School at three different weight classes. Star Tribune's 2022-23 Metro Wrestler of the Year and the 2023 MWCA Mr. Minnesota High School Wrestler Award, McEnelly posted a nearly perfect 181-1 record in has last four years of prep action.

He has started his freshman season with an unblemished 11-0 record, including eight tech fall victories. He's won titles at the Bison Open, Daktronics Open and Cougar Clash.

GopherSports.com: How did you get into wrestling?
Max McEnelly:
"I got into wrestling because my best friends in elementary school did it, and I wanted to try it again."

GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
MM:
"When I won state my freshman year in high school."

GS: What was your recruiting process like?

MM: "I always knew I wanted to go to Minnesota so I turned all other schools down."

GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
MM: "The coaching staff and the team made it feel like home, and I wanted to wrestle close to home."

GS: What differences have you noticed between high school and college wrestling?
MM: "Definitely much more physical and technical than high school and everyone is tough."

GS: How would you describe your wrestling style?
MM: "FAST."


GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?

MM: "All teammates have been helpful."

G
S: Do you have any pre-match rituals?
MM: "No, just go out there and dominate."

GS: Are there any particular wrestlers you look up to or try to emulate?
MM: "Jordan Burroughs."

GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
MM:
 "
Bringing home a national championship."

Off the Mat
Favorite spot on campus: The Dining Hall 
Favorite Food: Alfredo 
Favorite TV Show: Outer Banks 
Favorite Musician: Luke Combs 
Prefer Instagram or TikTok?: Instagram 
Hidden talent: Walking on my hands 
Sport you're best at other than wrestling: Football
Favorite moment of your wrestling career: Winning a (U17) World bronze medal
Behind the Scenes: Media Day
Thursday, October 16
Gopher Wrestling Tries Gymnastics
Thursday, May 29
Steveson Advances to NCAA Title Match
Friday, March 21
Gable Steveson: NCAA Quarterfinals
Friday, March 21