Time out with UW Badger Coach Barry Davis

Wisconsin Wrestling Online: How did you feel about your teams performance at the NCAA Championships?

Coach Davis: First of all, it would have been nice to have Dallas Herbst and Kyle Massey go out as All-Americans. That is always hard on a coach when seniors leave and not being on the stand. As far as Zach Tanelli and Kyle Ruschell, it was great to see them come back and fight their way thru wrestle-backs and take 4th and 3rd. I know a lot of people talked about Andrew Howe's finals match where his opponent could have been called for stalling, etc. But let's just say this - for a true freshman to take second at the NCAA Championships is quite an accomplishment.

Wisconsin Wrestling Online: What's the team doing now since the NCAA's are over?

Coach Davis: A week after NCAA's the team had time off, but as of right now the returning guys are lifting three days a week and the mats are open for voluntary workouts on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Did I say voluntary??? Yes - voluntary! Most of the guys are hard at it working out and already focusing on next year.

Wisconsin Wrestling Online: Are any of your guys doing any free-style at the Jr. Worlds or Sr. Worlds in Vegas? And do you think this helps them prepare for the following year?

Coach Davis: Yes - most definitely. I think wrestling out of season is a plus. It forces you to train because you are getting ready for competition and it prepares you for the highest level in the sport of wrestling - World Championships and the Olympics. We have a hand full of guys - mostly freshmen - that are competing. The guys competing in the open are Tyler Graff, Andrew Howe, and also Dallas Herbst and Kyle Massey (which is good to see). Ruschell right now is a question mark whether he will be competing or not.

Wisconsin Wrestling Online: Can you give us any insight into the incoming freshman for next season?

Coach Davis: How about if we cover this next time?

Wisconsin Wrestling Online: One last question. How important is it for kids to attend Summer Camps?

Coach Davis: I think it's very important. I think our Badger Beast Camp would be a good camp for kids to attend to get in front of Coaches to show their work ethic and skills if they are planning on attending college down the road. It gives them a leg up on exposure. I also think the Team Camp is good too - Team building is very, very important. I know teams that have attended in the past have excelled after attending out camps. The thing about the Team Camp this year is that our Strength Coaches are going to take two one hour sessions with just the Coaches that are attending and give them help with in-season and out-of season strength training which will be VERY beneficial for them and for their kids.

Coach Davis: I will talk to you next week about the incoming freshmen. I'm looking forward to it.

A moment with the Coach

"Time out with UW Badger Coach Barry Davis"