After being a two-time All-American and a runner-up in the 184-pound weight class, what more is there for Ben Heizer to do?

Although he will become a parent within the next couple weeks, Heizer also will work high school wrestling camps where he is paid $500 for four hours of his service.

Northern Star: You got married over Christmas Break. What gave you more nerves – your championship match at the NCAAs or walking down the aisle?

Ben Heizer: It was different types of nerves. I think I pretty much conquered my nervousness when it comes to wrestling. When you’re getting married, it’s a life-changing event. Not that nationals isn’t, but marriage is a bigger event.

NS: What is the funniest memory you have in your five years here at NIU?

BH: That’s pretty hard to say because there are some pretty big goofballs on the team. But I would have to say one that involves coach [Dave] Grant. Coach always tries to tell us about nutrition; he told us to eat an orange a day so we wouldn’t get sick. He got sick the next day after telling us.

NS: So you’re from Texas where there are lots of barbecue places that are all-you-can-eat. If you’re going in to wipe the place out, which teammate do you bring with?

BH: I don’t know how some of the younger guys can eat. I know some of the little guys can hold their own. I would probably go with someone like Dave Aranda or Gralan Early [both 125-pounders]. I know Gralan put on about 25 pounds in, like, seven days. That guy must know how to eat.

NS: Wrestling is one of the most grueling sports. One thing a lot of people notice is cauliflower ear. What is the deal with that? How painful is it?

BH: It’s not one of the most fun things. What causes it is when your cartilage breaks in your ear, and the fluid builds up in your ear. Basically, the pressure of it hurts a lot. Your ear is swollen and painful, and if you get it hit again, it hurts. Actually, getting it drained is …

NS: Drain it? Exactly how do you drain it?

BH: They just stick a syringe in there and take out all the fluid. The pressure hurts so much, but once you drain it, it feels so much better. After that, it solidifies and looks a little deformed.

NS: That sounds pretty gross. Good thing I don’t have cauliflower ear. I knew some people that had it in high school, and I was always thankful I never got it.