Michael kaminski '20 Recruiting Profile

I really started to love wrestling when I started my 6th grade year.  That is the year I really realized what it took to win matches and compete at the next level.  It was not until my freshman year in high school in which I realized there was a whole new spectrum to the sport as a whole.  I began to meet world class wrestlers in all styles of the sport. This made me extremely optimistic and eager to improve in all its aspects.  I challenged myself more and made small personal goals each week in order to keep my mind on track. Goals like running fifteen miles a week or do 300 push ups each day for two weeks - even academic goals to improve my grades. I started to get to know my team more and develop consistent practice partners.  I ended up with a partner who is now one of my greatest friends. Although he was always the better wrestler, we pushed each other as much as we could every single day of practice.  I felt proud of myself when I made it to state my sophomore year at 106, but what changed my career the most was my junior year. My spot to wrestle was 120 lbs. but my partner, who was World Champion and now now wrestles at the University of Minnesota, was at that weight.  The next weight, 126 lbs., was also filled by the reigning Illlinois State Champion and another D1 college wrestler. That year I had to bump up to 132 pounds from wrestling at 106 pounds the year before. As much as I loved the fact that I did not have to cut weight, it was a big jump for me.  That year taught me the most about who I really was, what I wanted to do with wrestling, and who I could become. I am looking for a school that has a competitive academic and athletic program to stay apace with my hard working and determined work ethic. Knowing that I have been pushed every practice for the last 3 years by Fargo champions and world champions, I know that I have what it takes to excel at the collegiate level and to challenge others on your team!