The next step

Wrestler preps for life after mat time

Senior Andrew Nielsen is not going to Mat Classic.

But he is still proud to have been a part of the Moses Lake wrestling program.

"Falling short stinks because you put a lot into it and then to not get what you think you should," said Andrew.

Andrew has continued to practice with the team, to support those going to state and help them prepare. He has thought about the one that got away.

"If I could get one back I'd go back to the consolation semis with David Osborne," said Andrew. "I knew I could beat him."

Now that his season has come to a close, Andrew is looking toward his next endeavors — trying out for the golf team and getting ready for college.

"I've played golf but I've never played on the team," said Andrew. "It's something to do in the spring."

After graduation, Andrew plans to work this summer but in the meantime, he's applying to colleges.

"I'm thinking about WSU, BYU or Arizona State," said Andrew. "I'm thinking about trying to walk on to a football team."

Andrew's plans for college reach two extremes — psychology or broadcast journalism. He said his desire to go into psychology stems from liking science and wanting to help people but his

interest in broadcast journalism stems from somewhere else entirely.

"My dad and I listen to radio shows and I've always enjoyed that," said Andrew. "I think watching sports and telling people about it would be a cool job."

When Andrew is not training in the wrestling room he is doing what most kids his age do — spending time with his friends or persuing his own interests.

"I like to read a good book," said Andrew. "Last Man Standing is a good one. I like mystery-action books, Tom Clancy sort of stuff."

Although Andrew is a snowboarder in the winter, his dream vacation would be skiing in Switzerland.

While the season may have ended, Andrew will support his team through Mat Classic and continue to look toward the next step.