Michael Nuyen is a junior on the Dowagiac wrestling team.

What has been one of your greatest

accomplishments as an athlete?

MN: Making it to the first-place match of a tournament where I started out as the 11th seed and was expected to place 11th.

What has been one of your biggest

disappointments as an athlete?

MN: Losing in the last round of districts and not being able to participate in regionals my freshman and sophomore years.

What has been a hardship in your life?

MN: Separating myself from the culture I’m surrounded by and continuing to work toward my goals for sports and school.

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

MN: My mom, because she tries to make sure I can get the chance to do the things I want to do even when it causes trouble for her.

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

MN: When the weight class before mine is wrestling. Right before my match.

Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.

MN: When I lost in convincing fashion at our home meet this year against Sturgis.

How do you tend to workout/train when by yourself?

MN: Go on jobs and do different stance/leg workouts.

What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?

MN: Basketball.

Who would you say is your “biggest fan?” Why?

MN: My mom, because she supports me through everything and tries to keep me happy.

How would you give away $50,000?

MN: I would fund a local gym close to my house so I could be the athlete I know I can be. A full wrestling room.

If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

MN: The University of Michigan wrestling team.

If I did not play sports, I would…?

MN: Try to make music.

What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?

MN: Keeping my weight down and stay in good enough shape to wrestle a match all three rounds.

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?

MN: Locked hands.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

MN:That I am a good wrestler.

What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?

MN: Switching schools because I didn’t know anyone. Yes, I’m glad.

What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?

MN: My 103-pound friend Kody (Walker) took down a kid on our team that weighs 170 pounds.

What is your favorite hobby? Why?

MN: Listening to and finding new music because it gives me motivation and improves my state of mind.

Choose one word to describe yourself:

MN: Determined.