Virginia Tech's Jesse Dong

One of the most improved wrestlers this season has been the Virginia Tech Hokies Jesse Dong.  The 157lber from Westerville, Ohio was one of four Hokie freshman who qualified for Nationals after the 2008-09 season.  In the latest D1CW rankings, Jesse has moved up to #4 in the nation.  Recent victories over Cyler Sanderson of Penn State and Thomas Scotton of North Carolina have brought Dong attention nationally.  D1CW got a chance to speak with Jesse before he leads the #20 Hokies into a huge dual meet with #7 Central Michigan. 

D1CW: Jesse, after about 3 months of action you have won over 25 matches, defeated a few top ten wrestlers and own a top five ranking yourself.  Is this how you pictured your season???

Jesse Dong: Yes it is.  I spent a lot of time in the summer working out and getting bigger for the season.  I knew that this could be a breakthrough season for me.  I felt like I gained a lot of experience last year and valuable mat time over in the off season.

D1CW:  Coming into this season, what were some areas of your game that you wanted to improve?

JD: Working on my feet.  My takedown's, specifically leg attacks.  I know that compared to my opponents I will probably not be the biggest, strongest guy so I need to be technically sound.  I've worked on my handfighting, setups, and getting to the legs.  Anything the helps me get on top and puts me in position to turn guys.

D1CW: In your victory over Cyler Sanderson and many others, the difference was your ability to ride.  How have you gotten so tough on top?

JD: Being good on top is not something that you can just decide to do.  I have been working on my leg-riding since I was young.  I had good coaching when I was younger, they really worked with me on leg-riding. 

D1CW: Last season you won almost thirty matches as a true freshman and qualified for the NCAA Tournament.  What prepared you for success in your first collegiate season?

JD: Mostly my work ethic.  I knew I wasn't a top-notch recruit. I also knew that in high school, I hadn't shown the entire country the best I could do.  When I got here, my goal was to be the hardest worker on the team.  That was for everything; lifting, running, as well as wrestling.  My hard work, along with attention from our coaching staff, and a love for the sport has gotten me this far.

D1CW: How do you feel about the Virginia Tech team this season?  You have had some good wins (Edinboro, Virginia 2x) despite a forfeit and injuries.

JD: Yeah we have had to forfeit 174 for awhile now, plus we are down to our 4th heavyweight due to injuries.  The good thing is that everyone has stepped up.  At the Virginia Duals against Edinboro and UVA, we went into the match knowing that we would have to make up twelve points.  This has made everyone wrestle a little bit better.  We know at this point we are just going to work with what we have.

D1CW: Do you and your teammates feel any pressure or are you competing to become the first All-American under Coach Dresser.

JD: Sure.  But Coach Dresser says, "Pressure is a privilege".  These are things we talked about all summer.  "Who's going to be the first All-American", "Who's going to be the first  National Champion".  The way that my teammates and I are wrestling, I think that we could have three or four All-Americans this year.

D1CW: Can you describe your style of wrestling for people who are not familiar with you?

JD: I would say that I am more of a technician than anything.  I'm a true sophomore and I still don't have the strength that I would like.  I try to use my technique and quickness.

D1CW: Coming out of high school, what made you decide on Virginia Tech?

JD: I looked at a few schools, but I really loved the Virginia Tech campus.  Plus the coaches.  I got the feeling that if I were to go here, I would be important to the coaches.  Once I started here nothing changed that feeling.  They are all willing to put in the time with my teammates and I, in order for us to achieve our goals. Overall it has been a perfect fit.

D1CW:  When and why did you begin wrestling?

JD: I was in 4th or 5th grade.  My parents had wanted me to try all sports before deciding on one.

D1CW: Thanks Jesse and Good Luck!