Name: Tim Song
Year: graduated senior
Hometown: Willowbrook
How does it feel to be a high school graduate?
It feels good. It's a relief.
When did you get into wrestling?
I started wrestling in fifth grade, but I didn't start taking it seriously until eighth grade.
What prompted you pursue it more seriously?
I think after I learned more techniques and stuff and just saw that I was getting better every day, that motivated me.
What's the toughest part of the sport?
For me, the most challenging part is probably the weight-cutting. I find it a little more difficult than other aspects.
Do you have to maintain a strict regimen to manage your weight?
During the season, my day-to-day routine is definitely a little more regimented. I go to bed earlier, and I try to eat a lot less and a lot healthier foods.
What do you enjoy about wrestling?
One of my favorite aspects of wrestling is that it's an individual sport and that's it's just you and the other guy on the mat. You can't really blame anybody else but yourself for what happens.
How did you improve since freshman year?
My technique evolved and i feel like I got more mentally tough. I feel like I can push through pain and adversity more.
What was your mindset this season?
Obviously it was a bummer that there wasn't a state series (due to state COVID restrictions). You've just got to push through and keep going hard.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to fish, play video games and hang out with friends.
Where are you headed next?
Wabash University to wrestle and study computer science.
Why has coach Jason Hayes liked having Song on the squad?
Tim's put a lot of work in over the years. He's got some unfinished business to do after being a match away from state last year. He's pretty much improved every year and won the team award for most improved last season.
- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
