Indiana University Athletics
10 Questions with Cayden Rooks
10/5/2020 10:52:00 AM | Wrestling
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.– Cayden Rooks made an immediately impact in his first season in Bloomington. Rooks was second on the team in wins with 21 wins in the 2019-20 season. He tallied a 21-13 overall record, 6-4 mark in dual matches and 4-4 record in Big Ten dual matches.
If someone asked you to describe what it's like to compete in the Big Ten for wrestling, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that every week it's a battle. The Big Ten is the toughest conference in the NCAA for a reason.
What is the one habit you have picked up because of the pandemic that you will keep?
I have made it a habit to use hand sanitizer more frequently so I will probably keep that up after the pandemic is over.
What is one of your favorite songs that you know all the words to?
That's a tough question haha. I would have to say it's Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton though.
What is your earliest wrestling memory?
The earliest wrestling memory I can think of is practicing at my elementary club for the first couple times and meeting my youth coach. I wouldn't be where I am today without
him.
What are some activities you enjoy doing with your teammates outside of wrestling?
Right now, we like to get on a zoom call and play Among Us, an online phone and computer game. We also like to play Call of Duty.
What was it like being in the lineup your freshman season and what do you hope to improve on this year?
It was awesome! I've dreamed of wrestling in the Big Ten ever since I was young so getting to do it as a freshman made it all the more sweeter. I didn't achieve my goals, but I don't think I could be any more prepared for the rest of my career. In the upcoming season I hope to improve on areas where I struggled last season physically like shot defense or my counter attacks. I would also like to improve where I struggled last season mentally like my self-confidence. There were a lot of times last season where I could've beaten opponents but didn't because I didn't have enough self-confidence.
How did you find creative ways to work out and train during the pandemic this summer?
A friend of mine has a pretty nice barn so we threw some mats in there and we would work out.
Who is a teammate of yours you think will have a breakout season and why?
I think my brother (Graham) is going to have another breakout season. He had his NCAA tournament taken away from him last year so he's hungry to get back there and get on the podium. He also showed that he can battle with the best in the nation.
What is your major at IU and what do you want to do after college?
I am majoring in Psychology. After college I would like to be a Dean at a high school (preferably my old high school) and coach wrestling there as well.
What is the best part about being on the IU wrestling team?
I'd say I really have two things that I would consider to be the best part about being on the team. The first best part about being on the IU wrestling team is having the opportunity to work with our coaching staff. These guys know what it takes to be great and they give up a lot of their time for us in case we want to come in and work extra or watch film. The other best part about being on the team is the bond that we all have. A lot of times we describe it as going to war and I wouldn't want any other group of guys to have my back.
If someone asked you to describe what it's like to compete in the Big Ten for wrestling, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that every week it's a battle. The Big Ten is the toughest conference in the NCAA for a reason.
What is the one habit you have picked up because of the pandemic that you will keep?
I have made it a habit to use hand sanitizer more frequently so I will probably keep that up after the pandemic is over.
What is one of your favorite songs that you know all the words to?
That's a tough question haha. I would have to say it's Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton though.
What is your earliest wrestling memory?
The earliest wrestling memory I can think of is practicing at my elementary club for the first couple times and meeting my youth coach. I wouldn't be where I am today without
him.
What are some activities you enjoy doing with your teammates outside of wrestling?
Right now, we like to get on a zoom call and play Among Us, an online phone and computer game. We also like to play Call of Duty.
What was it like being in the lineup your freshman season and what do you hope to improve on this year?
It was awesome! I've dreamed of wrestling in the Big Ten ever since I was young so getting to do it as a freshman made it all the more sweeter. I didn't achieve my goals, but I don't think I could be any more prepared for the rest of my career. In the upcoming season I hope to improve on areas where I struggled last season physically like shot defense or my counter attacks. I would also like to improve where I struggled last season mentally like my self-confidence. There were a lot of times last season where I could've beaten opponents but didn't because I didn't have enough self-confidence.
How did you find creative ways to work out and train during the pandemic this summer?
A friend of mine has a pretty nice barn so we threw some mats in there and we would work out.
Who is a teammate of yours you think will have a breakout season and why?
I think my brother (Graham) is going to have another breakout season. He had his NCAA tournament taken away from him last year so he's hungry to get back there and get on the podium. He also showed that he can battle with the best in the nation.
What is your major at IU and what do you want to do after college?
I am majoring in Psychology. After college I would like to be a Dean at a high school (preferably my old high school) and coach wrestling there as well.
What is the best part about being on the IU wrestling team?
I'd say I really have two things that I would consider to be the best part about being on the team. The first best part about being on the IU wrestling team is having the opportunity to work with our coaching staff. These guys know what it takes to be great and they give up a lot of their time for us in case we want to come in and work extra or watch film. The other best part about being on the team is the bond that we all have. A lot of times we describe it as going to war and I wouldn't want any other group of guys to have my back.
Players Mentioned
/ Wrestling
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