On The Mat With Joe Clarke
January 20, 2004 11:29 AM | General
January 20, 2004
An Atlanta, Ga., resident, Joe Clarke became West Virginia’s first 20 match winner of the season. The microbiology major recently turned in a strong performance at the National Duals, posting a 3-0 record.
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| West Virginia's Joe Clarke won three matches at the Cliff Keen/NWCA National Duals to improve to 20-6 on the year. (All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks) |
What age did you start wrestling?
11, unless you count royal rumbles during recess in elementary school.
My worst fear is:
Regretting that I haven’t done everything possible to achieve my potential as an elite wrestler. I am pushing for that potential to materialize in the form of a national title in 2004.
My best asset on the mat is:
The tilt and my ability to refocus in the face of adversity.
My best asset off the mat is:
The level of intensity and charisma I try to approach everything with.
My dream car is:
The Delorian from Back to the Future, complete with Flux Capacitor.
What is the one thing you would be lost without?
Support from my family and friends.
What c.d. is in your car stereo right now?
I’ve got three: Bob Seger’s greatest hits, a rap mix (Snoop, Dre, DMX among others) and another random mix CD that starts off with the Beverly Hills Cop theme and just gets better from there. REO Speedwagon’s “Ridin’ the Storm Out” is on it as well. It’s really great.
What is the one thing you will miss the most when your days as a Mountaineer are over?
It will be almost surreal to end my days as a competitive athlete. I will certainly miss being a part of a top-notch program (despite only spending one year at WVU). I’m glad that I was lucky enough to get to know and come to respect a great new group of teammates and I will miss both training and hanging out with them. That said, I will miss those delicious Gatorade Nutrition shakes as well.
Which teammate will surprise people this year?
Lanfer Simpson has already taken the cake in this category. I also think Seth Lisa is going to finish at the top of the heap this season after watching him put together some great matches against some of the top guys in his weight.
What is one word that describes you in competition?
Thriving
Why did you choose WVU?
Coach Turnbull and Coach Jones came highly recommended from some of my longtime coaches and mentors. Also, the attitudes and goals of the guys on the team help create an ideal training environment.
If you won an ESPY, who would you want as the award presenter?
Lance Armstrong
What are your plans after graduation?
Medical School, then some form of surgical residency (maybe orthopedic or plastic).
What is your advice to youngsters?
Learn to appreciate hard work at an early age. Set extremely high goals for yourself and know upon achieving them that it’s time to raise the bar. Surround yourself with positive and successful people. Finally, enjoy your parents’ cooking.
