With the start of official practices just a few days 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.
Previous spotlights:
Rylan Lubeck
Justin Koethe
Isaac Jordan
Parker Hines
Kegan Gennrich
Lenny Bloom
Today's spotlight freshman's last name should be a familiar one for Badger fans: Crittendon, Ky., native TJ Ruschell.
TJ Ruschell joins the Badgers from Ryle High School in Union, Ky., and will be trying to emulate the success that his older brother, and current Wisconsin wrestling assistant coach, Kyle had on the mats in Madison. Kyle was a two-time All-American (2009, 2010) for the Badgers during his five year career from 2005-10.
The younger Ruschell is coming off a successful four-year career for the Ryle Raiders. He compiled a superb 209-21 overall record and was a four-time state placer, including a state title in his junior season. Ruschell was also a four-time regional champion.
Favorites:
Athlete: Joey Votto/Ken Griffey Jr.
Movie: Remember the Titans
TV show: Seinfeld
Sports teams: Cinncinnati Bengals and Reds
Food: Chicken alfredo/skyline chili
Place on campus: Camp Randall Stadium
Wrestler: Kyle Ruschell/Dave Schultz.
Questions:
Nickname: T-Hammer
Why did you choose Wisconsin?: The coaches and the city of Madison.
First started wrestling: 6 or 7 years old in second grade
Most memorable match: State finals
My favorite thing about Wisconsin wrestling is: The "W"
Before each math I...: Listen to music
In off-season training, I worked on: Getting stronger
The best thing about Madison is: State street
Dream as a collegiate wrestler: NCAA champ
My role models are: My brothers and parents
What talent would you like to have?: To be better at baseball
Secret talent I have: I'm a decent golfer
Dream job/career: Engineer or wrestling coach
One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: Skydive
If I could bring one thing from my hometown, it would be: My friends and family
The most unusual thing the average person would not know about me is: I have been coached by both
of my brothers and my dad.
I can't live without: Coffee
Greatest invention of the last 100 years: iPhone
What is your greatest fear?: Failure
What is your greatest accomplishment?: State champion
Which fictional or historical figure would you like to meet?: Benjamin Franklin
Most famous person I've ever met: Ken Griffey Jr.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?: Fly
If I had a million dollars, I would...: Buy a house on the beach
Worst habit: Overthinking
Person I'd love to trade places with for a day and why: Rory McIlroy, because he's awesome at golf
Favorite quote: "The pain of regret lasts far longer than the pain of discipline."
