Wiltz

Two years ago, Alex Tsirtsis looked like he was ready to be a contender for the national title at 141 pounds. But, last year injuries and disappointment filled his time on the mat and he failed to gain All American honors. But, the former prep star is looking forward and putting last year behind him as he hopes to get back on track this winter.



Alex Tsirtsis hopes to rebound for a disappointing season.
Q: Alex, you became an All-American two years ago, last year, falling just short. Can you talk about how frustrating that was?

TSIRTSIS: Being an All-American two years ago was a nice accomplishment and everything else, but we as a team and me individually, we're trying to win national titles. Even just being an All-American is kind of falling short of that. It was an even bigger disappointment not to place last year, but it's something that you got to put behind you. Just keep working for the future.

Q: You've kind of been sandwiched in between the Zalesky and Brands eras. Can you talk about the difference in the room since you got here, and now?

TSIRTSIS: I would just say small differences, nothing too big. Both of them have pluses; just try to take whatever positives you can away from either one.

Q: How badly, with last year falling a bit short, do you want to come and prove you can do it? You can get to All-American, you can get to national champion this year?

TSIRTSIS: It maybe changes your training a little bit. It makes you a little more hungry in that aspect. No matter what, every year I've wanted to win it the same. Maybe it's a little extra fire.

Q: How about the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry? How exciting is that to have two Iowa schools be in the top three in the nation? Iowa back on top of the wrestling world.

TSIRTSIS: I think it's cool and everything else. We dual, it's always an early dual in the season so it's a good measuring stick for the rest of the season. We kind of put it to them last year in the dual, and we ended up not doing well the rest of the season. I think it's real important to maintain our strength throughout the season. We meet them early, and then we'll see them at the Midlands, and then not again until national duals. We'll see them a couple times, but there's a lot of other teams out there, too.

__________________
"He quits, not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no choice.
" -Tom Brands 01/20/08

RYou

TSIRTSIS: I would just say small differences, nothing too big. Both of them have pluses; just try to take whatever positives you can away from either one.

Boy, that doesn't sound very positive.

"try to take whatever positives you can"

I take it there are not too many positives crossing the wrestling room.

Wiltz

He has been in the doghouse since his 3rd alcohol related offense.

__________________
"He quits, not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no choice.
" -Tom Brands 01/20/08