Feb. 17, 2004

Q: From previous interviews, it seems that Mark Johnson is the last person that anyone from the team would want to be stranded on an island with. Do you think that you could handle being marooned with the coach?
A: No. There's no exact reason why, just no.

Q: In the first interview of this series, Coach Johnson said you were a funny guy to be around. Do you think you have a pretty good sense of humor?
A: I think I have a different sense of humor. A lot of people don't think the things I laugh at are funny, but that's their loss.

Q: What about Coach Johnson? Does he have a good sense of humor?
A: He has an interesting sense of humor. If he laughs, you better laugh with him, or else...

Q: Who do you think is the most serious guy on the team?
A: I don't know...Alex (Tirapelle) has his moments of seriousness, but he can be goofy. I think we're all a little goofy.

Q: I've noticed that you wear pajama pants a lot during the day, so what do you wear to bed?
A: I'll plead the fifth on that one.

Q: Your eclectic wardrobe also includes tie-dye. Is that just the style you prefer or are you an avid Grateful Dead fan?
A: I am a Grateful Dead fan, but that's not why. There are some songs that I love and some that I hate. But I wear tie-dye because I like it - it's just me.

What is your all-time favorite album?
A: I don't know - that's a good question. I think I would have to say any Pearl Jam album. They're all tied.

Q: At competitions and practices you always seem to be in a good mood. How do you keep so upbeat during such a grueling season?
A: Preparing for competitions and stuff, it's what I love. I enjoy everything I go through because I love wrestling.

Q: If you could play and excel in any other collegiate sport here at Illinois, what would it be and why?
A: Definitely not football because that cuts into wrestling. Probably baseball because it's fun, and it's really easy.