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133 lbs.
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Photo by: Brad Rempel
Freshman Focus: Tyler Wells
1/22/2024 9:25:00 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, Tyler Wells, a freshman from Princeton, Minn. Wells was a four-time state champion at Princeton High School, one of 31 to accomplish the feat, and finished with a career record of 162-1 for a winning percentage of .994, the best in state history.
Wells is 9-2 overall this season at 133 pounds in his freshman season, including a 3-1 record in duals and a 2-0 mark in Big Ten competition. Among his season highlights, he made his Gopher debut by winning the 133-pound title at the Bison Open and won his first dual match in an upset of then-No. 17 Kurt Phipps of Bucknell.
GopherSports.com: How did you get into wrestling?
Wells is 9-2 overall this season at 133 pounds in his freshman season, including a 3-1 record in duals and a 2-0 mark in Big Ten competition. Among his season highlights, he made his Gopher debut by winning the 133-pound title at the Bison Open and won his first dual match in an upset of then-No. 17 Kurt Phipps of Bucknell.
GopherSports.com: How did you get into wrestling?
Tyler Wells: "My mom got me into wrestling because as a kid I had too much energy."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
TW: "Early in my middle school career."
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
TW: "It was a tough process for me because I was unsure what was best for me."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
TW: "Close to home, coaching staff, and teammates."
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school and college wrestling?
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school and college wrestling?
TW: "College wrestling is a completely different game than high school wrestling. You have to learn to evolve your game to be successful in your collegiate career."
GS: How would you describe your wrestling style?
GS: How would you describe your wrestling style?
TW: "Explosive and slick."
GS: Do you have any pre-match rituals?
GS: Do you have any pre-match rituals?
TW: "Relaxing and getting my mindset right."
GS: Are there any particular wrestlers you look up to or try to emulate?
GS: Are there any particular wrestlers you look up to or try to emulate?
TW: "Haji Aliyev."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
TW: "Creating lifelong friendships and memories."
Off the Mat
Off the Mat
Favorite spot on campus: Weisman Art Museum
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite TV Show: Stranger Things
Favorite Musician: 42 Dugg
Prefer Instagram or TikTok?: Instagram
Hidden talent: Tier 1 Fortnite Pro
Sport you're best at other than wrestling: Spikeball
Favorite moment of your wrestling career: Beating Gopher teammate Brandon Morvari in a takedown tournament in elementary school
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