University of Minnesota Athletics
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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."
GS: 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
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."
GS: 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
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