Catching Up With Flaggert

Oct. 23, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. - Soonersports.com recently caught up with two-time All-American Sooner wrestler Joel Flaggert. The senior from Choctaw, Okla., discussed why he opted to return to Oklahoma for a fifth year after graduating last May. He gave OU fans insight on what the 2007-08 Sooner wrestling squad will have to accomplish to have a successful season.

Flaggert also told Sooner fans why they should attend this year's wrestling matches, beginning Nov. 17 when Oklahoma hosts North Carolina State at the Howard McCasland Field House.

Talk about your options at the end of last year, and your decision to return for a fifth year.

"The main reason was to come back and hang out with my buddies. I didn't want to have to go out and get a job. I didn't really decide to come back until May, so once I decided I was coming back I started lifting and eating a lot to try and get bigger."

What are some areas you are trying to improve on as the season approaches?

"Speed and strength were the two biggest areas where I tried to get better at and challenge myself during this off-season. I tried to get in the weight room and improve every week."

How good can this year's team be?

"I will tell you after the first competition. I really don't know. I think we have a chance to be really good. There are a lot of young guys this year on the team that they are going to have to prove themselves."

What are your personal expectations for this season?

"I want to be in the finals at the NCAA's. I want to get through Big 12's and make nationals. The ultimate goal at the end of the year is to be on that champion's stage."

How much of a leader do you have to be to the team as a senior?

"I am not much of a leader, but I do try and be their friend. They can always come and talk to me and I will try and talk to them if they are down. I just try and work hard and set example by what I do."

What do you enjoy the most as a wrestler at OU?

"I enjoy hanging out with my friends and being able to compete at a high level. I like the school and I like how Norman is a smaller town, it is not too big. I have a great time here."

What matches are you most looking forward to competing in this season?

"Bedlam, Missouri and Iowa State are schools I love competing against. All of the Big 12 is a lot of fun to go out and compete against because of the great competition each and every week."

How much commitment does it take in the off-season to battle for the Big 12 title and national title?

"You have to be in the wrestling room a few times a week during the summer. It is all on your own. It is something you have to do yourself and really get dedicated."

How would your teammates describe you?

"A knuckle-head wrestler."

If you could play another sport at OU, what would you play?

"I would definitely play football and be a linebacker."

What are you plans after your wrestling career?

"I don't really know, but my major was human relations. Whatever I can get my hand into is what I want to do for a job. I might try and find somewhere to be a coach. I could see myself maybe doing that."

Favorite restaurant to eat in Norman and what do you order.

"I like Blu in Norman a lot. I get the Blu cheeseburger, it's really good."

Favorite activity outside of wrestling?

"I really like going to football games and tailgating a little bit."

Tell Sooner fans why they should get out and support the team this season.

"It's a great sport and we need more fans. If the fans will come out they will like it. They can even come down and meet us after the dual if they want. We just really want fans to come out and support us, and we think they will like the sport and all of us. Having a lot of fans there helps us out a lot, and that is what we need this season.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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