Wisconsin's Andrew Howe

Each season, a select few true freshman are able to make the transition from high school wrestling to college.  It is even harder for them to find immediate success competing in the Big Ten.  This year the Badgers Andrew Howe has been able to do both.  Howe has already won 18 bouts, two of which have come against 2008 All-American's.  Earlier this week Andrew, the #8 ranked 165lber got to chat with D1CW about his freshman season.

D1CW: Andrew, you have had some big victories so far this season and currently hold a top ten ranking.  How do you feel about the way your freshman season has progressed?

Andrew Howe: It has gone well so far. I still have a lot of work to do.  There are some adjustments that I need to make, for instance I need to improve on finishing my shots.

D1CW: What are some of the reasons you have had success so early in your collegiate career?

AH: I just always try to work hard and wrestle hard, in matches and in practice.  My workout partners have pushed me and we have a good coaching staff. Donny Pritzlaff is able to work with me on my techniques which really helps.

D1CW: Speaking of Donny Pritzlaff, how specifically has it helped you having a coach who has won national titles at your weight class working with you every day?

AH: It's huge for me working with him.  Working with him, I seem to get better every day.  He's so knowledgable, I am able to ask him all sorts of questions.  He just really pushes me.

D1CW: What has been the biggest difference between wrestling in high school and in college at the D1 level?

AH: The intensity levels.  In both, the practice room and in matches.  Also, in college there are no  "easy" matches.

D1CW: About two weeks ago your team went into Iowa, and you were victorious over Ryan Morningstar.  Describe the atomosphere that you experienced that evening..

AH: It was really fun.  It was really an intense atomosphere.  Wrestling somewhere like that will get you fired up.

D1CW: What were some of the reasons you decided to attend Wisconsin?

AH: I knew it would be a good school academically.  I liked the campus itself, too.  It just seemed like the coaching staff and the team were both a good fit for me.

D1CW: For those who haven't seen you wrestle yet, how would you describe your style of wrestling?

AH: I like to be the one who is aggressive and offensive on my feet.  Overall, I would say I'm intense. 

D1CW: When did you start wrestling and why?

AH: I started in the first grade.  My dad wrestled in high school and college.  My brothers wrestled too, so I just kind of fell into it.

D1CW: Thanks Andrew!!