Malcom Watson, a senior on the Naz wrestling team, became Nazareth’s first ever IHSA State Wrestling Champion this year.  Malcom agreed to answer some questions and to tell the Announcer about the experience from his perspective.

Q: How old are you and what middle school did you go to?

A: I am 18 yrs old and I went to Hillside Elementary.

Q: How long have you been wrestling?
A: I’ve been wrestling since freshman year.

Q: What is your favorite/least favorite part about wrestling?
A: My favorite part would definitely be winning and the relationships I built with my brothers and coaches.  My least favorite part would have to be conditioning hands down.

Q: How would you describe your experience with the Naz wrestling team?

A: I would describe it as a constant learning experience. I was always learning on and off the mats, whether it was a new move, or something new about myself or one of my brothers.

Q: What was your favorite part about your adventure to getting to state?
A: My favorite part about my road to state would have to be all of the support that I was given by my teammates, family, and peers. I was flooded with calls and texts from literally everyone before and after I won state and I couldn’t have done it without all of that added support.

Q: How were you feeling on the day of your final meet? During your match? After you won?

A: I was pretty calm for most of the day up until my match. About an hour before my match I became extremely nervous, but coach Starzyk, who is a 3 time state champ, just told me to relax and that it was just another match. He told me that I have been winning and to just to go out there and do what I do best. After I won I was so overwhelmed; words cannot describe it.

Q: Any interesting tid-bits people may not know about the championship meet?

A: The wrestler that I beat in my semifinal match was the same kid I lost to sophomore year at junior varsity state.

Q: What advice would you give other wrestlers for the future?
A: I would tell them to always listen to the coaching staff and that only they can truly push themselves. The only thing stopping them from winning is themselves.

Q: Do you plan on wrestling in college?

A: Probably, but I’m just not sure where yet.

The Announcer and the entire Nazareth family is extremely proud of Malcom and wishes him the best of luck in the future!