Kelly Kubec goes 7 Minutes with TOM
Jan 4th, 2010 | By viratas | Category: Open Mat Originals
Oregon State redshirt Sophomore Kelly Kubec goes 7-mins with TOM. Coming off a impressive 20-10 (RS) Freshman campaign and sporting a 13-4 record so far this season, Kubec looks to make it to the podium come March.
TOM: To date what is your most memorable match and why?
KK: My most memorable match was my sophomore year in the state finals. I was wrestling my current teammate at Oregon State, Michael Mangrum, at 112 pounds in the 4A state championship match. What made it exciting was that we had met three previous times that year and all were very close matches. I ended up winning with a reversal as time expired, earning my first of three state titles.
TOM: What brought you to Oregon State?
KK: The reason I chose Oregon State was the coaching staff. Every staff member from Coach Zalesky to volunteer assistant Travis Pascoe had something that made me want to be around them. It’s like a family, and I could see that from the very beginning of the recruiting process.
TOM: What are you most looking forward to this upcoming season?
KK: I am looking forward to wrestling Boise State in this upcoming season. Both team and individual, that meet offers huge implications on my season as a whole.
TOM: What are your long term goals in wrestling?
KK: I believe that most people competing at this level in their respective sport have their goals set to be the best – the NCAA champion. But those are just words. I have to let my actions speak for themselves, and if that happens, I will reach my goals as a college athlete.
TOM: Have you considered a MMA career after you are done competing?
KK: I don’t anticipate becoming a MMA competitor after I’m finished competing. My personal preference would be to continue wrestling as long as I am competitive. After that point I will begin focusing on finding a career and starting a family
TOM: As a recruit what were the main things you considered when picking a school?
KK: There are two things I would tell a recruit to consider when choosing a school – how the coaching staff and academics of the school can help you reach your goals in wrestling and life.
TOM: What person has had the biggest impact on your wrestling career and why?
KK: The person who had the biggest impact on my wrestling career would be my high school wrestling coach, Brent Barnes. He not only helped me redefine my wrestling skills to be a more complete wrestler but also was a huge influence on building a mindset that I would need to reach my goals at the high school level and beyond. He is one my best friends and I am thankful for everything he has done for me throughout the years.
