Indiana University Athletics
Getting to Know Joel Powers
2/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Meet Joel Powers, a 6'2 freshman who is wrestling at heavyweight in the Hoosiers' starting lineup this season.
His high school list of accomplishments is long and impressive. Powers was a two-time All-American, placed third in the state of Illinois as a senior, finished second at junior freestyle nationals in 2002 and was third in '01. At Rockford East High School in Rockford, Ill., he boasted an overall record of 112-12 and was a three-time all-conference performer.
In addition to wrestling, Powers was an accomplished football player as he earned all-conference recognition twice and was an honorable mention all-state honoree in football his senior year.
Powers has faced five ranked competitors at heavyweight this 2002-03 season, including his last three matches. He is learning the ropes of the Big Ten early as he faced No. 2 Tommy Rowlands of Ohio State on Jan. 30, No. 8 Greg Wagner of Michigan on Jan. 31 and No. 15 Israel Blevins on Feb. 7.
He is currently 18-11 on the season as he prepares to face the No. 1 heavyweight in the country, Iowa's Steve Mocco, on Feb. 21.
Now, getting to know Joel Powers...
What do you think is the best thing about wrestling at Indiana?
The knowledgeable coaching staff - they really know their stuff - and the other guys on the team. I came to Indiana because the team was like a family and IU has a great campus.
Pick the accomplishment that you are the most proud of and what is your greatest ambition.
I would have to say placing second at junior freestyle nationals and ambition is to graduate college and win an NCAA Championship.
Who has had the most influence on your athletic career?
My father.
What is your favorite move? Favorite TV show?
Movie: The Matrix
TV Show: Boston Public
What's the best advice you've heard and who did it come from?
"Never quit." - my father.
What are the words you live by?
Quitters never win and winners never quit.
If you HAD to be on Survivor, what is the one thing you would take to the island?
A never ending supply of beef jerky (teriaki)
Finish the following statements:
I will...be successful
I have...all my body parts
I am...not skinny
I want...food
I can...eat a lot.
His high school list of accomplishments is long and impressive. Powers was a two-time All-American, placed third in the state of Illinois as a senior, finished second at junior freestyle nationals in 2002 and was third in '01. At Rockford East High School in Rockford, Ill., he boasted an overall record of 112-12 and was a three-time all-conference performer.
In addition to wrestling, Powers was an accomplished football player as he earned all-conference recognition twice and was an honorable mention all-state honoree in football his senior year.
Powers has faced five ranked competitors at heavyweight this 2002-03 season, including his last three matches. He is learning the ropes of the Big Ten early as he faced No. 2 Tommy Rowlands of Ohio State on Jan. 30, No. 8 Greg Wagner of Michigan on Jan. 31 and No. 15 Israel Blevins on Feb. 7.
He is currently 18-11 on the season as he prepares to face the No. 1 heavyweight in the country, Iowa's Steve Mocco, on Feb. 21.
Now, getting to know Joel Powers...
What do you think is the best thing about wrestling at Indiana?
The knowledgeable coaching staff - they really know their stuff - and the other guys on the team. I came to Indiana because the team was like a family and IU has a great campus.
Pick the accomplishment that you are the most proud of and what is your greatest ambition.
I would have to say placing second at junior freestyle nationals and ambition is to graduate college and win an NCAA Championship.
Who has had the most influence on your athletic career?
My father.
What is your favorite move? Favorite TV show?
Movie: The Matrix
TV Show: Boston Public
What's the best advice you've heard and who did it come from?
"Never quit." - my father.
What are the words you live by?
Quitters never win and winners never quit.
If you HAD to be on Survivor, what is the one thing you would take to the island?
A never ending supply of beef jerky (teriaki)
Finish the following statements:
I will...be successful
I have...all my body parts
I am...not skinny
I want...food
I can...eat a lot.
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