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Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Jamie Legner, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Feb. 27, 2012 - Nathan Fitzenreider successfully manages a heavy course load and a busy wrestling schedule and still has time to get involved in other activities on campus. Nathan is rounding out his junior season with the Cardinals' wrestling program and has his eyes set on achieving the ultimate goal: a national title.

Last season Nathan went 37-3 with 11 pins at 133 pounds. He won five regular-season tournament championships as well as CCIW and Great Lakes Regional Championships. Nathan also qualified for Division III National Championships for the second straight season, placing third to earn All-America honors. He was also an NWCA Division III Scholar All-America selection.

So far this season Nathan is 31-4 overall with 11 pins. He began the season as the No. 1-ranked wrestler nationally at 133 pounds, and later dropped down to 125 pounds, once again receiving a No. 1 ranking. He recorded three pins in four matches in winning the 125-pound title at the Great Lakes Regional Championships on Saturday to earn his third straight trip to the National Championships.

Q: What is your major?
A: I'm a mathematics major.

Q: Why that major?
A: I have always enjoyed math and found it to be very interesting. I love the puzzles it presents and how it can challenge you in the simplest ways.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: In five years I see myself as a math teacher and a wrestling coach.

Q: What do you like most about North Central College?
A: I love NCC and how you know everybody and everyone is super nice. I also love my wrestling buddies, especially Joby Bodi.

Q: What other North Central College events do you like to attend?
A: I like to attend as many sporting events as I can. I also attend Relay for Life and work the Special Olympics.

Q: What has been your favorite class here so far?
A: History of Math with Professor Richard Wilders.

Q: Have you ever done any other sports?
A: Growing up I played just about every sport. When I hit high school I put my sole focus on wrestling.

Q: How long have you been wrestling?
A: I've been wrestling since I was 4.

Q: Does anyone else in your family wrestle?
A: All three of my brothers wrestled through college.

Q: What's your favorite thing about wrestling?
A: I love the feeling on being out there on my own with complete control of my destiny. That being said, it is very difficult and there is a lot of added pressure being out there by yourself. Win or lose, you know that it was all on your shoulders. It's very nerve-wracking but amazingly rewarding when you're successful.

Q: What's the hardest thing about wrestling?
A: As for wrestling in general it is the hardest thing I've ever done. This is why the reward is so high when you achieve your goals. It's a mental battle more than anything. Day in and day out you have to force yourself to block out your mind and train. Constantly your mind is telling you you're tired, you're hungry, you can't go on, but you have to stay focused and push through. It's extremely difficult but it's what drives us. We call it mental toughness, the ability to overcome you mind when it tells you no.

Q: What's something that the general population might not know about wrestling?
A: There is a lot the general public doesn't know about wrestling because it is not a very popular sport. The biggest thing I think people don't see is the behind the scenes training. We train year around and put out bodies through extreme tests. It takes its toll on you. I've broken more bones and had more injuries then I can count and what most don't see is that we are still wrestling through them. It's just part of the sport. We refuse to sit out and you are truly never 100% when you're competing.

Q: What match do you look forward to most?
A: The match I am most looking forward to is the national finals if I make there.

Q: What is your main goal for this season?
A: My goal is to win a national title.

Q: What was it like to compete in the Division III National Championships last season?
A: Wrestling at nationals was a great experience and a ton of fun. I was very devastated when I lost in the semis. I came back and took thir and everyone was really proud of me but in my eyes I had failed. I didn't want to show any weakness so I held in my feelings until I was by myself. I remember it like it was yesterday, I went down to the locker room by myself and cried for hours.

Q: Who is your biggest role model?
A: My role model is my Coach Kevin Bratland. He is the definition of a man and what it means to be mentally tough. I look to him for guidance in anything I do be it wrestling, school, or anything in the outside world.  He has taught me how to live my life with pride. He has also taught me about sacrifice and how essential it is in our lives. You need to prioritize and set goals for yourself, but more than that you need to be honest and realistic with yourself. Failure is a part of life and you can never be successful until you learn how to embrace it and use it to your advantage. Kevin is someone that I know I can always count on and will always be there for me.