Q-and-A with Quinton Rosser

Senior+wrestler+Quinton+Rosser+sits+down+with+Rick+Green%2C+Northern+Star+sports+contributor%2C+to+discuss+the+team%E2%80%99s+success+this+season%2C+along+with+their+goals+for+the+rest+of+the+year.+Rosser+finished+with+a+14-5+record+this+past+season.

Senior wrestler Quinton Rosser sits down with Rick Green, Northern Star sports contributor, to discuss the team’s success this season, along with their goals for the rest of the year. Rosser finished with a 14-5 record this past season.

By Rick Green

DeKALB — Senior wrestler Quinton Rosser has consistently improved since his freshman season, obtaining a 14-5 record this past season after finishing 7-17 in the 2015-16 season.

“His focus is outstanding and he is a leader in the way he approaches daily tasks,” Head Coach Ryan Ludwig said. “That’s what it takes discipline and restraint. Quinton is pointed in the direction of success, [and] I am pleased with his continued progress.”

Rosser is a former three-time all-area and All-MAC honoree from Archbishop Moeller High School.

With a long season ahead, Rosser said he believes the team could begin clicking more and winning more matches.

Q: What are your overall thoughts on the season thus far?

A: I’m not content with it. I need to do better. I’ve had placements in all the opens, and I just want to get better and get into that final match. I want to take first all the time.

Q: What first brought you to the sport of wrestling?

A: When I was in third grade playing football, the old school wrestling coach wanted me to wrestle to get better at football. Ever since the third grade I’ve never stopped wrestling.

Q: After such a good year last season, what does the team need to do to replicate that past success?

A: We just need to work harder, worry about the process and not worry about winning, and just focus on being the best you can be in all aspects of life, academically and athletically.

Q: Did you learn anything or take anything away from players last season like Shawn Scott or anyone else?

A: Yes, Coach Ludwig has always said that the reason Shawn [Scott] was always in his matches was because he can get an escape, always on the attack, he’s never letting anything easy and is always out hustling everybody.

Q: What were the team expectations for the season?

A: We want to have six qualifiers at nationals and at conference and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Q: How has the team improved over your tenure here at NIU?

A: We’ve just changed our culture. When I came here we had a few bad eggs, and we just changed the culture around to where we are doing better academically and athletically.

Q: What is the biggest difference you’ve seen in your game from your freshman season to the current season?

A: I’ve been hitting the weight room getting stronger, and with my techniques, I’ve got it nailed down more.

Q: What is your biggest motivator to be successful when you wrestle?

A: The biggest motivator for me is success. I believe you’re either growing or you’re dying. I just want to get better and better everyday and be the best I can be everyday.

Q: What are your feelings toward the future of the program with 16 of the 22 players on the roster having at least 2 years left after this season?

A: It’s a positive future. We’re always young, and we will continue to fight every season. We have a bunch of younger guys here with their heads on straight and going in the right direction.

Q: After NIU, do you see wrestling in your future?

A: Yes, I always want to be involved in wrestling. I want to become a coach or if I continue to wrestle on at the international level. I will always want to be involved for my love of the sport.

The Huskies will pick things back up in their home opener against the Central Michigan University Chippewas 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Chick Evans Field House.