With the start of official practices upon us, 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:
Jesse Thielke
TJ Ruschell
Rylan Lubeck
Justin Koethe
Isaac Jordan
Parker Hines
Kegan Gennrich
Lenny Bloom

In our final installment we meet Brookfield, Wis., native Nic Veling.

Veling was a four-year varsity member at Brookfield Central before coming aboard for the Badgers. He was the Lancers' captain in both his junior and senior seasons, and was also named the team's MVP in his senior year. He also competed with the Team Wisconsin National Team.

Off the mat, Veling played football and ran cross country in high school, and was honored with the Bob Petruska Award, which is given to the Brookfield Central athlete who best displays leadership, sportsmanship and determination.

Favorites:
Athlete: Jake Varner

Movie: Hot Rod

TV Show: How the Universe was Made

Sports team: Green Bay Packers

Food: Chocolate

Place on campus: Witte Hall

Vacation spot: Gulf Shores, Alabama

Wrestler: Lee Kemp

Place to wrestle other than the UW Field House: My basement.


Questions:
Why did you choose the University of Wisconsin?: UW-Madison has a great history of prestigious scholars and athletes.

First started wrestling: 14 years old/8th Grade

Most memorable match: Qualifying for Greco nationals during my last match at the Central Regional Qualifier.

Before each match I...: Imagine what each period of the match will be like.

In off-season training, I worked on: Increasing my foot speed.

Dream as a collegiate wrestler: Become a national champion.

What talent would you like to have?: Shoot a free throw.

Dream job/career: Radiologist

Dream date: Bar Refaeli

One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: Skydive

If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be: In Montana, between the mountains and the plains.

If I could bring one thing from my hometown, it would be: My super-comfy bed.

Greatest invention of the last 100 years: Cell phone

What is your greatest fear?: Giant spiders

What is your greatest achievement?: Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout/joining the UW wrestling team.

Which fictional or historical figure would you like to meet?: Albert Einstein

Most famous person I've met: Florence Welch

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?: Mind reading

If I had a million dollars, I would...: Invest the money for retirement

Person I'd love to trade places with for a day and why: Jordan Burroughs, he has accomplished all of my wrestling goals.

Favorite quote: "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right."

With the start of official practices upon us, 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:
TJ Ruschell
Rylan Lubeck
Justin Koethe
Isaac Jordan
Parker Hines
Kegan Gennrich
Lenny Bloom

Today we take a look at one of the more highly-touted members of this year's freshman class, Germantown, Wis., native Jesse Thielke.

Thielke comes to the Badgers after taking last year to train in an attempt to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Thielke just missed qualifying, taking fourth at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials in the Greco-Roman competition.

Prior to that he was a star at Germantown High School for four years where he compiled a near-perfect 185-1 career record and was a four-time Wisconsin state champion - one of only eleven in state history. He was also a two-time Greco-Roman champion at Fargo.

Thielke is a four-time U.S. world junior team member, and took home his first medal at the FILA Junior World Championships - a bronze - in September in the Greco-Roman competition.

Favorites:
Athlete: Aaron Rodgers

Movie: Return of the Jedi

TV show: Fringe

Sports team: Packers

Food: Buffalo wings

Place on campus: Lucky apartments

Vacation spot: Northern Wisconsin

Wrestler: Dennis Hall

Place to wrestler other than the UW Field House: A raised mat with spotlights (lots)


Questions:

Nickname: Honey Badger

Why Wisconsin?: It was a perfect place for me to both succeed and enjoy myself

First started wrestling: Age seven in second grade

Most memorable match: State finals senior year

My favorite thing about Wisconsin wrestling is: The fans

Before each math I...: Relax

In off-season training, I worked on: Greco-Roman wrestling

The best thing about Madison is: All the friends I already have here

Dream as a collegiate wrestler: Four-time NCAA Champion

My role models are: Dennis Hall, Lee Kemp, Cael Sanderson

What talent would you like to have?: Ability to read minds

Secret talent I have: Master word search solver

Dream date: Victoria Secret model

One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: Win multiple world and Olympic titles

If I could bring one thing from my hometown, it would be: My pets

Greatest invention of the last 100 years: Xbox

What is your greatest fear?: Death

What is your greatest achievement?: Four-time State Champion

Which fictional or historical figure would you like to meet?: George Washington

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?: Flight

If I had a million dollars, I would...: Invest and save

Worst habit: Over-eating

Favorite quote: "Never waste a minute"

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."

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:
Justin Koethe
Isaac Jordan
Parker Hines
Kegan Gennrich
Lenny Bloom

Today, it's Vesper, Wis., native Rylan Lubeck's turn in the spotlight.

Lubeck comes to Madison after a prolific career on the mats at Lincoln High School. Lubeck was a state champion for the Red Raiders in his senior season, a state runner-up in both his junior and sophomore seasons, a four-time regional champion, and a three-time conference and sectional champion. Lubeck has international experience as well, as he wrestled at the 2010 Cadet Pan American games in Manaus Brazil and for the 2010 Greco World Duals USA All-Star Team.

Lubeck's athletic accomplishments at Lincoln weren't just limited to the mat. He also played football and was an all-conference honorable mention running back. He succeeded in the classroom as well. He was a scholar athlete and on the Wisconsin Wrestling All-State Academic Team in each of his four years of high school, and earned a Presidential Academic Education Award in his freshman and senior years.

Favorites:
Athlete: Calvin Johnson

Movie: Act of Valor

TV Show: SportsCenter

Sports team: Green Bay Packers

Food: Steak

Vacation spot: Cass Lake, Minn.


Questions:
Why did you choose Wisconsin?: It's my home state

First started wrestling: When I was three and a half years old

Most memorable match: Freshman year of high school in the team state finals against Joe Umlauf

My favorite thing about Wisconsin wrestling is: It's my home state

Before each match I...: Pray

Dream as a collegiate wrestler: Team and individual national title

My role models are: My dad and uncle

One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: Go hunting in Africa

If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be: Here

The most unusual thing the average person would not know about me is: I have three fake teeth

I can't live without: Food

What is your greatest achievement?: State title

Which fictional or historical figure would you like to meet?: Jesus

Most famous person I've met: Lee Kemp

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?: Super speed

If I had a million dollars, I would...: Invest it

Worst habit: Biting my fingernails

Person I'd love to trade places with for a day and why: My dad, to see how his mind thinks

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:
Isaac Jordan
Parker Hines
Kegan Gennrich
Lenny Bloom

Today, we get to know Coralville, Iowa, native Justin Koethe.

Koethe comes to Madison from Iowa City West High School in Iowa City, Iowa, where he was a four-time state placer for the Trojans. Koethe was a three-time FILA Cadet Nationals champion, as well as the 2009 Cadet National freestyle champion and second place finisher in Greco-Roman. He was also a five-time All-American in Fargo at Junior Nationals.

Favorites:

Athlete: Jordan Burroughs

TV Show: Skins

Sports team: Wisconsin wrestling

Food: Chinese

Vacation spot: Texas

Place to wrestle other than the UW Field House: Fargo


Questions:

Why did you choose the University of Wisconsin?: Because it has a great campus, I love the wrestling, the coaches and the team.

First started wrestling: 2nd Grade

Most memorable match: 2009 Freestyle Fargo Finals

My favorite thing about Wisconsin wrestling is: Barry Davis

Before each match I...: Get warm and clear my mind

In off-season training, I worked on: Speed and outside shots

Dream as a collegiate wrestler: Multiple NCAA titles

My role models are: My dad

What talent would you like to be able to have?: To be able to dance

Secret talent I have: Annoying my father

One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: See the ocean

If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be: Paris, France

If I could bring one thing from my hometown, it would be: My bed

I can't live without: My phone

Greatest invention of the last 100 years: iPod or Xbox

What is your greatest fear?: Not being able to wrestle anymore due to an injury

What is your greatest achievement?: Getting a scholarship to Wisconsin

Most famous person I've met: Jeremy Hellickson, pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays

If you could have one super power, what would it be?: Flight

If I had a million dollars, I would...: Buy a nice house and car and pay them off

Person I'd love to trade places with for a day and why: Eminem, to see how he lives his life.

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.

Past spotlights:

Parker Hines
Kegan Gennrich
Lenny Bloom

Today we meet Isaac Jordan, who is looking to continue his family's impressive legacy at Wisconsin.

Isaac Jordan is the latest member of the Jordan family to wrestle for the Badgers. His father, Jim, was a two-time national champion, and three-time All-American, at Wisconsin in the 1980s, and still holds the all-time program record for wins in a career (156). His uncle, Jeff, was a two-time All-American for the Badgers in the 1980s as well, and his older brother, Ben, earned All-America honors last season to close out his UW career.

But, Isaac is certainly an accomplished wrestler in his own right. He was a three-time Ohio state champion at Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio, and put together an impressive 154-9 career record. That mark included an unblemished 43-0 senior season, a season in which he was ranked among the top high school wrestlers nationally.

FAVORITES

Athlete: Aaron Rodgers

Movie: Lawless

TV show: Friends

Sports team: Green Bay Packers

Food: Pizza

Place on campus: Camp Randall Stadium

Vacation spot: The beach

Wrestler: Kyle Ruschell

Place to wrestle other than the UW Field House: Iowa


QUESTIONS

Nickname?: Zeke

Why did you choose Wisconsin?: The tradition

First started wrestling: 5 years old

In off-season training I worked on: Riding

The best thing about Madison is: The food

Dream as a collegiate wrestler: NCAA champion

My role models are: My grandpa and dad

Dream date: Alex Morgan

One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: Skydiving

If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be: East coast

If I could bring one thing from my hometown, it would be: Crabill's hamburgers

I can't live without: iPod

What is your greatest fear?: Brandon Weber (teammate)

Which fictional or historical figure would you like to meet?: Abraham Lincoln

Most famous person I've met: Dave Chappelle

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?: Flying

If I had a million dollars, I would...: Buy a car

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. Today, it's Ellsworth, Wis., native Parker Hines' turn under the spotlight.

Previous spotlights:
Kegan Gennrich
Lenny Bloom

Parker Hines comes to Madison from Ellsworth, Wis., where he wrestled four seasons at Ellsworth High School. Hines was a Division 2 state champion and put up a near perfect 38-1 record in his senior season for the Panthers. Hines was a two-time state finalist, and a three-time state qualifier in high school, and helped Ellsworth capture the team state championship in his junior season. He also played football as an offensive lineman and was named the Middle Border Conference Most Valuable Player as well as all-state honorable mention at his position.

Favorites:

Athlete: Jordan Burroughs

Movie: Never back down

TV Show: That 70s Show

Sports team: Green Bay Packers

Food: Fruit

Place on campus: Lakeshore

Vacation spot: Florida

Place to wrestle other than the UW Field House: Ellsworth wrestling room


Questions:

Why did you choose Wisconsin?: It's the best campus in Wisconsin and it has strong traditions and history

First started wrestling: Kindergarten

Most memorable match: Junior year of high school at regionals, I escaped and took my opponent down to win in seven seconds.

My favorite thing about Wisconsin wrestling is: The tradition

Before each match I...: Break a sweat

In off-season training, I worked on: Riding technique

Dream as a collegiate wrestler: Become an All-American

My role models are: Chad Stelt and Hayden Hauschault

What talent would you like to have?: To be able to play the piano, the guitar, and sing

Secret talent I have: Great dancer

Dream job/career: Actuary

Dream date: Jullian Hough

One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: Skydive

If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be: The Midwest

If I could bring one thing from my hometown, it would be: Rush River

The most unusual thing the average person would not know about me is: I'm single

I can't live without: My iPod

Greatest invention of the last 100 years: iPod

What is your greatest achievement?: State champ

Which fictional or historical figure would you like to meet?: Winston Churchill

Most famous person I've met: Jack Radabaugh

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?: Mind reader

If I had a million dollars, I would...: Not have student loans

Person I'd love to trade places with for a day and why: Bill Gates, so I could buy some cars, houses, toys, etc.

Favorite quote: "One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure it's worth watching."

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. Next up: Hortonville, Wis., native Kegan Gennrich.

Previous spotlights:

• Lenny Bloom

Gennrich comes to the Badgers from Hortonville High School, where he was a state champion in his senior season and put together a stellar 148-25 record over four years for the Polar Bears. Kegan also finished third at state in both his sophomore and junior seasons, was the 2012 Post-Crescent All-Area Athlete of the Year and a 2012 FloNational All-American. Off the mat, Gennrich also played football in high school and was named all-conference in his senior season.

Favorites:

Athlete: LeBron James

Movie: The Sandlot

TV show: Workaholics

Sports team: Wisconsin Badgers

Food: Pizza

Place on campus: Memorial Union

Vacation spot: Cabin in Rhinelander, Wis.

Wrestler: Jordan Burroughs

Place to wrestle other than the UW Field House: Kohl Center

Questions

Why did you choose Wisconsin?: Strong wrestling program and I love the atmosphere in Madison.

First started wrestling: 4 years old

Most memorable match: State finals my senior year of high school

My favorite thing about Wisconsin Wrestling: The great teammates

Before each match I...: Pace a lot

In off-season training, I worked on: Hand fighting

Dream as a collegiate wrestler: NCAA Champion

What talent would you like to have: To be able to sing

Dream job/career: Rapper

Dream date: Mila Kunis

If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be: On the beach in California

If I could bring one thing from my hometown, it would be: The Twist (local ice cream place)

I can't live without: Naps, video games, music

Greatest invention of the last 100 years: Xbox

What is your greatest fear?: Spiders

What is your greatest achievement?: Wisconsin state champion and Post Crescent Athlete of the Year

Which fictional or historical figure would you like to meet?: Batman

Most famous person I've met: Greg Jennings

If I had a million dollars, I would...: Buy a very large house

 

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

It is Hall of Fame week at the University of Wisconsin. Join UWBadgers.com as we look back at all of the deserving wrestlers in the UW Athletics Hall of Fame.

Jim Jordan's accomplishments on the mat for the Badgers rank him among the wrestling program's all-time greats.  

Jordan, UW Hall of Fame Class of 2005, was a three-time All-American and two-time national champion as a Badger, taking home back-to-back titles at 134 lbs. in 1985 and 1986. Jordan took home Big Ten titles and was named the team's captain and most valuable wrestler in both of those years as well.

Jordan holds the Wisconsin wrestling season (49) and career (156) records for wins.

Jordan eventually embarked on a political career following his wrestling days, and currently serves in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Ohio's 4th Congressional District.

Jordan's UW wrestling career also helped plant the seeds for the program's biggest family tree. Jim's brother Jeff wrestled at Wisconsin from 1984-88 and was a two-time All-American, Jim's oldest son, Ben, wrestled from 2008-12 and collected All-America honors in 2012 and will serve as a volunteer assistant coach for the team in 2012-13, and his youngest son, Isaac, is an incoming freshman for the Badgers.