Following in the footsteps of a sibling might sometimes be difficult, but redshirt sophomore Vince Castillo has wrestled with ease.

Castillo is 31-17 in his career at NIU, including a 6-1 season in the 141-pound class this year. So far, he has won a tournament championship at the Pointer Open and posted a 2-1 record at the Boilermaker Challenge. Castillo sat down with the Northern Star to talk about his wrestling-filled family and everything that comes with being a wrestler.

Northern Star: What was it like growing up and playing with brothers?

Vince Castillo: It was fun. Wrestling made us competitive in everything. We would always play little pick-up games around the house. Everything was pretty much competitive, from hockey in the driveway, wiffleball in the back and videogames. Wrestling kept us all really tight-knit. When any of us had a high school wrestling match, the whole family would go.

NS: Who’s the best wrestler in your family?

VC: Of course I would have to say myself every time. I think I’m the toughest out of all of us. And I’ve still got three years left, so I’ve got a lot to prove.

NS: Do you have any difficulties making weight?

VC: I’ve got it down pretty good. I know how my body works. I know how much I can lose in a practice. I’ve been cutting weight since high school, so I’ve got it down to a science. I know how to take it down slowly day-by-day so I can perform well when it comes to the competition.

NS: What do you think of coach Dave Grant?

VC: I like him. I think he’s a great coach. He really knows what he’s doing. He was an All-American, so he really knows what it takes to get on the podium. He really pushes us to do our best and to work hard. He’s been through everything, so he’s a good example of what we could accomplish.