University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
125 lbs.
/ Wrestling
125 lbs.
/ Wrestling
Photo by: Brad Rempel
Know a Newcomer: Blake Beissel
12/19/2024 9:21:00 AM | Wrestling
There are 11 newcomers to the Minnesota wrestling team for the 2024-25 season, so GopherSports is doing Q&As with them in order to get to know them better. Up next, Blake Beissel, a true freshman from Hastings, Minn.
Previously: Charlie Millard
Coming out of Hastings High School, Beissel won two individual state championships and ended his prep career with a record of 184-8. He was ranked ninth in the state of Minnesota by The Guillotine in its pound-for-pound rankings, while MatScouts ranked him No. 246 nationally on its final Big Board. This season, Beissel is 6-4 at 125 pounds, going 1-2 at both the Bison Open and Daktronics Open before winning the Jim Koch Open with a 4-0 mark.
GopherSports.com: How did you get into wrestling?
Blake Beissel: "My grandpa, uncles, and dad wrestled, which brought me into the sport at a young age."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
BB:Â "After my sophomore year, which was my first state title."
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
BB:Â "I was grateful enough to have many programs reach out to me and give me information about their programs and what they had to offer as a student, as well as an athlete."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
BB:Â "It was my childhood dream to be a gopher and I knew I wanted to fulfill that dream."Â
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school and college wrestling?
BB:Â "Positioning, hand fighting, top and bottom wrestling. Everything is just a level or two higher."
GS: How would you describe your wrestling style?
BB:Â "Stingy defense and risky offense as the match goes on."
GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
BB: "Cooper Flynn. He is a great drill partner for me and helps me work on the little things. Even outside of our practices, he still gives me pointers."
GS: Do you have any pre-match rituals?
BB:Â "Before I go out to the mat I clean the bottoms of my shoes and give my coaches high-fives."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
BB:Â "Creating relationships with like-minded people and finally representing the Gophers."
Off the Mat with Blake
Favorite Spot on Campus:Â AVNC
Favorite Food: Steak or orange chicken
Favorite TV Show:Â Special Victims Unit
Favorite Movie:Â Spider-Man: No Way Home
Favorite Book:Â Chop Wood Carry Water
Favorite Musician:Â Zack Bryan
Hidden Talent: I can walk on my hands
Best Advice You've Been Given: Be a student of the sport
Superpower You'd Want:Â Super speed
Favorite moment of your wrestling career:Â Winning the 2023 team state championship
Previously: Charlie Millard
Coming out of Hastings High School, Beissel won two individual state championships and ended his prep career with a record of 184-8. He was ranked ninth in the state of Minnesota by The Guillotine in its pound-for-pound rankings, while MatScouts ranked him No. 246 nationally on its final Big Board. This season, Beissel is 6-4 at 125 pounds, going 1-2 at both the Bison Open and Daktronics Open before winning the Jim Koch Open with a 4-0 mark.
GopherSports.com: How did you get into wrestling?
Blake Beissel: "My grandpa, uncles, and dad wrestled, which brought me into the sport at a young age."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
BB:Â "After my sophomore year, which was my first state title."
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
BB:Â "I was grateful enough to have many programs reach out to me and give me information about their programs and what they had to offer as a student, as well as an athlete."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
BB:Â "It was my childhood dream to be a gopher and I knew I wanted to fulfill that dream."Â
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school and college wrestling?
BB:Â "Positioning, hand fighting, top and bottom wrestling. Everything is just a level or two higher."
GS: How would you describe your wrestling style?
BB:Â "Stingy defense and risky offense as the match goes on."
GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
BB: "Cooper Flynn. He is a great drill partner for me and helps me work on the little things. Even outside of our practices, he still gives me pointers."
GS: Do you have any pre-match rituals?
BB:Â "Before I go out to the mat I clean the bottoms of my shoes and give my coaches high-fives."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
BB:Â "Creating relationships with like-minded people and finally representing the Gophers."
Off the Mat with Blake
Favorite Spot on Campus:Â AVNC
Favorite Food: Steak or orange chicken
Favorite TV Show:Â Special Victims Unit
Favorite Movie:Â Spider-Man: No Way Home
Favorite Book:Â Chop Wood Carry Water
Favorite Musician:Â Zack Bryan
Hidden Talent: I can walk on my hands
Best Advice You've Been Given: Be a student of the sport
Superpower You'd Want:Â Super speed
Favorite moment of your wrestling career:Â Winning the 2023 team state championship
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