On The Mat With Mike Torriero
December 16, 2003 09:07 AM | General
December 16, 2003
A Sound Beach, N.Y., resident, Mike Torriero has developed into a solid contributor at 149 for West Virginia. The Physical Education Teaching major recently turned in a strong performance, taking second place at the Navy Classic.
Here is an opportunity to get to know the senior a little bit better:
What age did you start wrestling?
4
Who is the best wrestler you have ever faced?
I've wrestled a lot of good wrestlers in competition during high school and college, but the best person I've ever stepped on the mat with would be Cary Kolat. Granted he was a WVU assistant during my freshman year and I never wrestled him in a real match, but that may have been worse. In a match, he would have pinned me quick or just tortured me for 6 to 7 minutes. But there is no time limit in practice, so he would just beat me until I couldn't see straight.
My worst fear is:
Graduating from West Virginia without accomplishing my goals of becoming an NCAA All-American and National Champion. Coach Turnbull and Coach Jones have put in a lot of time and energy training this team and myself. To not place at the national tournament would be an insult to them, my team and my family because the only person who can truly beat me, is me.
My best asset is:
My best asset is probably my ability to score big points and hit a variety of holds. But on the flip side, unless I stay focused throughout a whole match and listen to the coaching staff, it can cost me a win.
What is the one thing you would be lost without?
I simply can't sleep on away trips without my pillow and sometimes-lucky blanket.
What is the one thing you will miss the most when your days as a Mountaineer are over?
Without a doubt, my teammates and friends. I know that I've earned all of my enemies, but I sometimes question how I've been lucky enough to have the friends that I do.
Which teammate will surprise people this year?
Matt Lebe – he keeps great position, is hard to score on and will keep matches simple enough to where he will most likely walk away with his hand raised. Yet, keep your eye on Zac Fryling, his learning curve is remarkable and when it's all said and done I see him winning a national title or two.
What is one word that describes you in competition?
Interesting, but reckless and fun also pop into mind.
Why did you choose WVU?
On my recruiting trip the guys never picked me up at my hotel room to bring me to the airport on Sunday morning. I realized right then and there that I needed to surround myself around a team that dedicated to winning and the best coaching staff in the NCAA. Plus, it didn't hurt that we had the #6 recruiting class in the country and Morgantown is a college student's Disney Land.
If you won an ESPY, who would you want as the award presenter?
I would want my coaches because they would be the primary reason for my success. But I wouldn't be opposed to Britney Spears or anyone else single, rich and hot.
What are your plans after graduation?
I have plenty of ideas which mostly include winning the lotto, being picked up on the street to star in my own sitcom, being paid by MTV to just be cool and or inventing something really stupid to make me millions, like the ab roller or the lollipop twister.
What is your advice to youngsters?
Work hard and earn good grades so you have options in selecting a university for your higher education and eventually to earn a good living.
