Name: Max Pohlenz
Year: senior
Hometown: Hinsdale
When did you first start wrestling?
Freshman year I tried out for the Mock Trial team and I got cut from that. I was looking for something to do in winter and (coach Jason) Hayes gave me the recruiting pitch and I was hooked.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
It's very much a sport where you get what you put in. I think that idea to win and be good at something through sheer will and sheer mental toughness just kind of caught on with me.
What's it like to compete at 182 pounds?
You almost kind of get the best of both worlds. You have that out-muscling of a heavyweight but you also have to be quick and tricky like some of the smaller guys. You really can look at something from a plethora of ways and really use everything you have in your tool box.
Do you have any pre-meet routines?
I don't eat dairy that day because it just doesn't work well with my stomach. I really don't each much before a match, not because of weight, but because I have this fear I'll get on the mat and all that stuff will come up. It's a bit of an irrational fear, but I feel better safe than sorry.
How did you dislocate your elbow?
(Monday) during practice, I was wrestling live. I was in a tripod position. The person I was wrestling tried to chop my elbow. In chopping it they twisted it, causing it to dislocate. They popped it back in place. Right now it's not that bad. Hopefully I'll be able to work for a speedy recovery and get back before my season ends.
What is your goal for the season?
When I was a freshman, there were these seniors that I looked up to and really admired. I really want to complete the cycle and try to leave a legacy and inspire the next group of wrestlers with what I do.
Why does coach Jason Hayes like having Pohlenz on the team?
Max works extremely hard at both his academics and athletics. He is our starter at 182 pounds. He played football in the fall and now is on the wrestling team. He has done this all four years. Max is an overall great student-athlete.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
