With the start of official practices just under two weeks away, UWBadgers.com will introduce to you the newest members of the Wisconsin wrestling team by giving you a look at who they are off the mat. First up: Deerfield, Ill., native Lenny Bloom.
Bloom joins the Badgers after a stand out career at Deerfield High School where he left as the school's all-time leader in both wins and takedowns. Bloom was a two-time Illinois state tournament qualifier and, as a senior, was the class 3A Barrington sectional champion. He was also a two-time regional and conference champion, and was the freshman/sophomore state champion in his sophomore season. Bloom was a two-time junior freestyle state champion and competed at both the Disney Duals and Scholastic Duals, as well as three years at Fargo.
Favorites:
Athlete: Brian Urlacher
Movie: The Neighborhood Watch
TV Show: 24
Sports team: Chicago Bears
Food: Tuna salad
Place on campus: Wisconsin wrestling room
Vacation spot: Mexico
Wrestler: Jordan Burroughs
Questions:
Place to wrestle other than the UW Field House: Deerfield High School
Why did you choose Wisconsin?: The coaches, campus, and the great academics.
First started wrestling: In sixth grade at 11 years old
Most memorable match: Sectional championships my senior year
My favorite thing about Wisconsin wrestling is: My teammates and the facilities
Before each match I...: Listen to the song "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC
In off-season training, I worked on: Handfighting and strength training
The best thing about Madison is: The campus and wrestling facility
Dream as a collegiate wrestler: NCAA Champion
My role models are: My parents
What talent would you like to have?: Juggling
Secret talent I have: I can do the splits
Dream job/career: Professional athlete
Dream date: Jessica Alba
One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: Skydive
If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be: In Florida right on the beach
If I could bring one thing from my hometown, it would be: My dog, Tucker
I can't live without: My Xbox
Greatest invention of the last 100 years: Computer
What is your greatest fear?: Dying
What is your greatest accomplishment?: Two-time junior freestlye state champion
Which fictional or historical figure would you like to meet?: George Washington
Most famous person I've met: Michael Jordan
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?: To fly
If I had a million dollars, I would...: Buy a huge house
Worst habit: Procrastinating big projects
Person I'd love to trade places with for a day and why: Michael Jordan, because everyone knows him and to live in his house. He is also considered one of the greatest athletes of all-time.
Favorite quote: "Once you've wrestled, everything else in life is easy." - Dan Gable
