Q-and-A with Robbie Mikenis, Lincoln-Way Central wrestling
January 27, 2013 10:56PM
Robbie Mikenis, Lincoln-Way Central. Fall sports photo day at Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Illinois, Sunday, November 18, 2012. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media
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Updated: March 1, 2013 6:36AM
Mikenis, a returning state-placer, notched his second SouthWest Suburban title on Jan. 19 with a sweep through the 138-pound field. The senior began wrestling with the Lincoln-Way Youth Club when he was in second grade.
What’s been your proudest moment on the mat?
Last year, placing in state. Wrestling is the greatest sport, and it was incredible to go to Assembly Hall and be on that podium.
Who is the best wrestler you’ve seen this season?
I really like watching Colin Holler (170 pounds) from Sandburg. I like how he works and how he’s always staying in good position. I used to wrestle with him at IKWS (Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation).
You’re on one of the best teams in the state. Is it ever frustrating to be in the same conference as Sandburg?
Oh, yeah. It always seems like they’re the number one team in the state and we’re number four. It’s pretty ridiculous. I’ve never beaten them in my four years, but we’re really hoping to win our regional so we get another shot at them in the state series. The way we look at it, we’re going to attack them. We’ve had close matches but haven’t been able to pull it off.
It seems everyone on Central has good conditioning. What’s the foundation for that?
Conditioning is coach (Jason) DePolo’s main point. Even if you’re down or going to lose the match, you’re going to go down fighting.
During the season, how much are you watching what you eat?
I watch it pretty closely, staying away from fatty foods or stuff that’s not fresh. It’s easy now after doing it for a couple of months. You’ve just got to be mentally tough.
What’s going to be the first big meal you eat when you’re done?
Probably some of my mom’s homemade meatloaf.
What’s your take on cauliflower ear?
I like it. I’ve got it on both ears so I embrace it. I think the girls like it.
Any plans for next year?
I’ve got a couple of schools looking at me, but I’m 90 percent sure I’ll be wrestling at Wisconsin-La Crosse. We had a team camp up there and the coach saw me and that’s how we started talking. I love this sport too much to give it up yet.
Super Bowl pick: 49ers or Ravens?
Ravens. I’m a big Ray Lewis fan. He’s intense and definitely one of my sports heroes.
Dream prom date?
Kim Kardashian.
If you couldn’t pick yourself, who would you say is the most well-respected wrestler at Central?
A lot of people don’t talk about him, but Bryce Gorman, our 170-pounder. He doesn’t get as much attention as me, Tyler Schneider or Matt Schneider, but he works his butt off and I expect him to do good things in the state tournament.
As told to Logan Malloy
