Photos by Hillary Ehlen
Paul Bianchi
- Redshirt Sophomore
- Two Rivers, Wisconsin
- 125 pounds
- Was an NCAA qualifier for the Bison at 125 pounds as a redshirt freshman last season.
Why NDSU wrestling?
When I talked to the head coach Roger Kish, he seemed like he wanted to make an impact in my life. He wanted to put me through the greatest years of my wrestling here. He sold me right away and he seemed really excited and is the kind of person I want to be around.
How do you define the word tradition and how does it relate to NDSU wrestling?
Consistency with support from the community and the people who are a part of the program as well. Just a constant, ongoing great time.
What is the difference between wrestling at NDSU and other places?
We really work on being tough and being the most conditioned athletes. Just working on technique and grit, compared to other places where they don’t focus on that sort of stuff.
Is there a secret to improving on the mat on a year to year basis? In other words, how do you keep getting better?
Take every opportunity that I can. Work on my weaknesses that I learned a lot about last year and make the most out of every opportunity that I get.
Andrew Fogarty
- Redshirt Junior
- Jordan, Minnesota
- 165 pounds
- NCAA qualifier at 165 pounds last season at NDSU and a two-time qualifier overall. Was also the Big 12 runner-up in his weight class.
Why NDSU wrestling?
I met Coach Kish at a Christmas tournament. That was the first time I was approached by a coach. He pursued me pretty hard and as soon as he got me up to NDSU to visit the team and everything, I knew right then it was the school for me to go to.
How do you define the word tradition and how does it relate to NDSU wrestling?
Everyone else represents it and it’s just a culture you build and usually, the culture stays the same because it’s the tradition. Just going out and expressing that in a wrestling manner.
What is the difference between wrestling at NDSU and other places?
We have all the right partners, our facilities are brand new and I think they are a lot better than a lot of schools. Our coaches know how to talk to people and make them feel welcome. That’s big.
How do you improve from last season?
My goal is always All-American. I got to take the next step up in qualifying, where I can be at nationals. Then working toward a national title.
