Freshman Focus: Kyler Wong

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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, Kyler Wong, a freshman from Wayzata, Minn. Wong was a four-time state qualifier at Wayzata High School, placing three times. His best finish came as a junior when he took third place at 145 pounds. He also came in fourth at 126 pounds as a freshman and fifth place at 113 pounds while in eighth grade.

Wong has gone 4-8 overall this season at 157 pounds. He's competed in three tournaments, and his best showing came at the Daktronics Open when he finished sixth.

GopherSports.com: How did you get into wrestling?

Kyler Wong: "My dad put me in wrestling when I was really little, and I guess I just never had a reason to stop so I slowly started loving wrestling."

GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?

KW: "Around my freshman and sophomore years when my coaches started asking me about it."

GS: What was your recruiting process like?

KW: "My recruiting process was kind of a mess. I tore my UCL and couldn't wrestle my senior year so I wasn't even planning on wrestling after that. Eventually, like literally a week or two before decision day, the Minnesota coaches reached out to me. I instantly knew that I wasn't done wrestling."

GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?

KW: "I chose Minnesota because nothing is cooler than being able to say you wrestle for the team that you grew up watching your whole life."

GS: What differences have you noticed between high school and college wrestling?

KW: "The fine details matter so much. In high school wrestling I was able to get away with some stuff but in the college room, they will capitalize on every single opportunity given."

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

KW: "All the guys in the room are super supportive of each other and make you a part of the family as soon as you step onto campus, but Sebas (Swiggum) and Ben Lunn have really helped me especially as I was coming back from my injury."

GS: Do you have any pre-match rituals?

KW: "Listening to music until two matches before mine then I take my headphones off because I like to get used to the sound of the crowd before I go out there and wrestle. I also try to pray before every match."

GS: Are there any particular wrestlers you look up to or try to emulate?

KW: "I grew up watching David Taylor dominate everyone in college so he's always been a wrestler I look up to."

GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?

KW: "I'm looking forward to the connections and memories I can make with the other freshmen for the next four years"

Off the Mat

Favorite spot on campus: Walter Library

Favorite Food: Dining hall omelets

Favorite TV Show: The Office

Favorite Musician: Zach Bryan

Prefer Instagram or TikTok?: Tik Tok

Favorite moment of your wrestling career: Getting the call from the Gopher coaches

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University of Minnesota Athletics

Players Mentioned

Ben Lunn

Kyler Wong

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