Q&A with Big 12 Champ Kyle Terry

May 19, 2009

NORMAN, Okla. -- School is out at The University of Oklahoma, but for student-athletes it marks the beginning of hours of conditioning and training for the next season. Soonersports.com caught up with 2009-10 senior Kyle Terry this week on his summer plans, analysis of last season and future goals at Oklahoma.

The Midwest City, Okla., product finished the season with a 30-3 overall record and was crowned the Big 12 champion at 149 pounds. Terry tallied a perfect 5-0 record versus Big 12 competition last season and led the Sooner squad in dual takedowns, near falls and total points. His career record in three seasons at OU stands at 56-15 overall, 29-5 in dual action.

Kyle Terry Bio

What accomplishments are you most proud of this past season?
"Winning the Big 12 Championship. This year was probably the best year I have ever had in my career, especially in college. I lost in my first tournament of the year and didn't lose again until the national tournament. So I pretty much went the entire season undefeated, which is a huge accomplishment for me. Winning the Big 12 was huge, beating the eventual national champion (Darrion Caldwell of North Carolina State) in the regular season was also huge."

What match last season do you remember most and why?
"Probably the Caldwell match and the Big 12 match. The Caldwell match, obviously, because he became the national champion. Even before he was, I knew he was going to accomplish big things. For me to beat him like I did and give him his only loss of the season was big. And I will always remember winning the Big 12. Also, beating Matthew Kyler of Army at the NCAAs was a big deal because he is the one who beat me at the first of the season. That felt really good."

What did it feel like standing atop the podium after being crowned Big 12 champion?
"Going into the championships, I was pretty confident I could win but still, anything can happen and you have to come out and wrestle tough. I had a great opponent in the finals but I was pretty confident I could win it. Coming into college I couldn't even imagine being a Big 12 champion, and to actually get that medal and to know I am now is pretty crazy. It's a good feeling and that medal is a good keepsake."

What are your personal goals for next season?
"Just to improve on what I did this year. I know after this year where I stand and the potential that I have. My biggest goal that I want the most is to finish strong. In college, when you get to the end you start to have some nerves. That is when it all counts and I need to finish strong. I know that I can end in the top five."

What are some team goals you expect to accomplish next season?
"We have everyone coming back and we are a little older now. We need to have some more guys step up. I think we will be more successful next year than we were this year."

What areas are you working to improve in this summer?
"I don't get on the mat too much during the summer, I like to take a little break. Mainly in the summer I work on conditioning, I run and lift a lot. I need a break from the mat because seven months constantly on it during the season wears me out. I like to keep my strength up and run a lot, that is what my focus is on this summer."

After making it to the national tournament your freshman season, how did it feel to make it back during your junior campaign?
"I was a lot more confident this year and I think that is why I was a lot better. And of course I was a better wrestler. When I went my freshman year, I had the attitude of whatever happens, happens and that I had nothing to lose. That was true, but you need to have a little motivation. Going into it this year, I was the Big 12 champion and entered with a 28 match winning streak and was excited about what I could do. I came out really strong on the first day but not the way I wanted to on the second day. I was a lot more confident and the more you are there the more confident you feel."

What is it like to have your twin brother on the team with you?
"It really does help. You always have someone to fall back on if you are not doing the right thing or someone to make you accountable for what you are doing. Most people are here at college by themselves. When you live with your brother and that is all you have done growing up, it really helps. I really enjoy it. I have lived with him for 23 years. We will both get married and we will be next door neighbors. Well, probably not."

What opposing venue have you most enjoyed playing in?
"I would choose Stillwater for the atmosphere. But as far as a place to visit, it would be Arizona State. I love the weather and the scenery is awesome. We went there this year and walked around and it was really nice."

What would Sooner fans be surprised to know about you?
"That I dominate my brother in everything. If anything is between me and him and there is any kind of competitive spirit, there is a rivalry. But I always win, every time. My favorite thing to do is beat my brother, Chad, in anything. I'll make sure he reads this."

Talk about the new OU wrestling facilities and how it will impact the program.
"It's real nice. I think our wrestling room will definitely help with recruits when they come and see that. What we had before was nice, but now it's brand new and awesome. I like it all. The team room with the couches and flat screen is nice. I like how big the wrestling room is and how the weight room is right there. There is a lot more room for us."

Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
"I used to be really bad about that but this year was really different, I didn't worry much about things like that. This year I just tried to focus and I knew if I went out and competed and wrestled like I was capable of I could beat anyone I faced. I just focused on what I had to do and tried to stay care-free. I used to always warm up the exact same way. I would always have to make sure I practiced the same way and I would always warm up with my brother."

What is your favorite summer time activity?
"Going to the pool and playing volleyball."

Any summer vacation plans?
"This summer I am actually going to Florida, Las Vegas and Jamaica. Just going on vacation to relax."

If you could play another sport at OU, what would you choose and what position?
"Basketball and I would be the point guard. I have been practicing on my basketball skills lately. I'm a good shot. Three-pointers are my specialty."

Best thing about being an OU student-athlete?
"We have it made with all the help we get academically. Without even having to ask, we get tutors to help us out and advisors that take care of us. We are never on our own, we always have someone to help us and talk to."

What songs do you listen to before your matches?
"I listen to rap, Lil' Wayne. Just anything rap pretty much."

What are the three words your teammates would use to describe you?
"The rattlesnake, loyal and friendly."

How did you earn the nickname "the rattlesnake?"
"(Wrestling assistant) Jeremy (Spates) is the one that gave me the nickname and it spread like wildfire. They call me the rattlesnake because of my quick strike and venomous bite."

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