Yesterday was a big day for Ames prep Hank Swalla, as he decided to continue his wrestling career in Ames at Iowa State University. The Ames senior was 22-0 and was ranked 2nd by IAWrestle when his elbow was dislocated in the district final, ending his high school career. Swalla had not surrendered a takedown in the 2015 season. We got a chance to sit down with Hank and ask him a few questions.
What other schools were you looking at?
Wartburg, Cornell College, and Grandview
What weight do you see yourself wrestling?
Probably 174 or 184, and I’m guessing I’ll stay around there.
What is your favorite wrestling memory?
My favorite memories are from our off road run days the day after conference, or messing with our 220 pounder Harrison Townsend; he’s a riot. If you haven’t met him, I would recommend it.
Who was your toughest opponent and why?
I would say my toughest opponents had to be my brothers, Ben and Luke. They came in all the time and wrestled with me in practice and pretty much knew exactly what I was going to do and how to stop it. It was frustrating sometimes but it made me a lot better.
Describe your wrestling style and is there anyone you model yourself after?
I would say my style is technical and hard-nosed, or at least that’s what I want to be. I don’t really model myself off of a particular person, but I watch a lot of wrestling and pick up bits and pieces and decide what I want to take away from that. I like to watch guys who let it fly and are super offensive, and I want to make that part of my wrestling.
What are your favorite hobbies outside of wrestling?
Easily hunting and fishing. Besides school, that’s about all I do outside of wrestling.
What do you plan on majoring in?
Pre-veterinary medicine and eventually going to Vet-School.
Why Iowa State over other schools?
It was a combination of things, not just one. A major part was that I just love the cyclones. I grew up in Ames and watching Cyclone wrestling, and to get the opportunity to compete for ISU was a dream come true. Not everyone get’s the opportunity to chase their dream and I just couldn’t turn it down.
Anything else you want Cyclone fans to know about you?
Not really, just that I’m excited to officially join the Cyclone family and to compete at the next level.