Know a Newcomer: Koy Hopke

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, Koy Hopke, a true freshman from Amery, Wis.

Previously: Charlie Millard | Blake Beissel | Silas Dailey

Coming out of Amery High School, Hopke was a four-time Division II State Champion, winning three titles at 220 pounds before claiming the heavyweight crown as a senior. He was ranked ninth overall on MatScouts' final Big Board and was WIWrestle's top pound-for-pound wrestler in the state of Wisconsin. Further showcasing his skills, Hopke was the 2022 U17 freestyle world champion and followed that by winning the freestyle heavyweight title at the 2023 Junior Nationals Championships. Hopke is not expected to compete this season due to injury.

GopherSports.com: How did you get into wrestling?
Koy Hopke: "My father got me into wrestling at the age of three. My older brother and I started out wrestling each other in our basement."

GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
KH: "I started to realize that wrestling in college was something that I could probably do when I started to have more success on the national level in middle school."

GS: What was your recruiting process like?
KH: "My recruiting process was very busy. I had tons of calls and texts on the first day that coaches were able to contact me. I had a handful of home visits with some colleges, and took official visits to the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin."

GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
KH: "The culture and people that are a part of the current Minnesota team were a big influence in my decision. My teammates and coaches are people that share similar goals of achieving the highest success that they can."

GS: What differences have you noticed between high school and college wrestling?
KH: "One of the major differences that I have found between high school and college wrestling is the intensity. College wrestling is very hard and physical."

GS: How would you describe your wrestling style?
KH: "I think that my wrestling style is very physical and high paced. I often use my strength and gas tank to wear down my opponents in many matches that I wrestle."

GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
KH: "Max (McEnelly) and Gavin (Nelson) are a couple of younger guys that I was familiar with before my transition to college that have helped me out a little."

GS: Do you have any pre-match rituals?
KH: "I don't have any weird pre-match rituals. I just like to get a good warm up and stretch a little bit."

GS: Are there any particular wrestlers you look up to or try to emulate?
KH: "I look up to the Gopher heavyweight legends Gable Steveson, Tony Nelson, Cole Konrad and Brock Lesnar."

GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
KH: "I look forward to the team and I being able to bring success to the Gopher fans in the coming years."

Off the Mat with Koy
Favorite Spot on Campus: Athletes Village Nutrition Center (AVNC)
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Favorite Movie: Grown Ups
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Favorite Musician: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Hidden Talent: I'm good at math
Best Advice You've Been Given: There's nothing you can do about the past
Superpower You'd Want: Super strength
Sport you're best at other than wrestling: Football
Favorite moment of your wrestling career: Winning our second high school wrestling team title in a row with my brother and dad on the team with me.

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Players Mentioned

Koy Hopke

Gable Steveson

Upcoming Events

University of Minnesota Athletics

Players Mentioned

Koy Hopke

Gable Steveson

Know a Newcomer: Koy Hopke

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