Keith Gavin Sits Down With Earl Smith of d1collegewrestling.net
11/13/2007 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Nov. 13, 2007
Fifth year senior Keith Gavin (Factoryville, Pa./Lackawanna Trail), the nation's top wrestler in the 174 pound division, sat down to talk with Earl B. Smith of d1collegewrestling.net and share his thoughts on last year's NCAAs, this year's Panther squad and a number of other topics.
Below is a transcript of their discussion.
D1CW: Keith, Coming out of high school you were never a state champion, yet you were a 2007 national runner-up and currently ranked number 1 in the nation. What has been the biggest improvement for you?
Keith Gavin: You know that's a question I've thought about a lot. It's really tough to say one thing. In high school a lot of guys have the expectation to win every time they step on the mat. I didn't have that mentality then, but I do now. Also I'm from a small town with a high school that didn't have much wrestling tradition. Now I'm focused on trying to get better all the time. Everyday I do something to be a better wrestler.
D1CW: Going back to the NCAA finals, you faced Ben Askren who hadn't lost in two years and pinned you twice earlier in the season. However, you got the first takedown and had him in a tight match. What was your mindset or gameplan going into the match?
KG: Actually, the second time we wrestled I got the first takedown, too. Then he got on top and cradled me up. After the first two matches I knew more of what to expect. Not only was he great on top, he was really awkward, and he made me get into uncomfortable situations.
In the finals I wanted to stay away from mat wrestling as much as possible. I knew if I got a takedown, I would cut him immediately and try to do it again. I also wanted to do my best to stay away from the cradles and scramble situations.
D1CW: Is there anything special that you have focused on while preparing for the upcoming season?
KG: No, there haven't been any major changes. I just wanted to do my best to eliminate my weaknesses. I feel like I'm a much better wrestler this year compared to last year. Hopefully I'll be better at the end of this year than I am now.
D1CW: You will be competing in the NWCA All-Star Match Nov. 19 against Navy's Matt Stolpinski. Have you ever faced him, and what do you know about him?
KG: No, I've never wrestled him. I have seen him before. He is a good-sized 174 and looks strong. He always goes hard and has a big gas tank. I'm just looking forward to being involved in the match and I'm always excited to wrestle someone new.
D1CW: Looking at the 2007-08 schedule, is there any event this you are looking forward to more than others? You have The Cornell Body-Bar Invitational, Las Vegas and this year the Midlands, plus trips to Lehigh and Oklahoma, hosting Missouri and the EWL matches.
KG: I actually won't be at Cornell. I'll be getting ready for the All-Star match that weekend. I'm really not looking ahead that far, I just want to take it one match at a time. The one I'm looking forward to the most is NCAA's. Its the one that matters.
D1CW: I assume individually your goal is the NCAA title, but what is the outlook this year for Pitt as a team?
KG: Yeah my goal is definitely the NCAA title. As for the team I think we are very good. I've felt like that every year though, but things haven't worked out. This season we have some good young guys. The new recruits, they love to wrestle, and they are pushing everyone. All around the attitude is much better. I'm sure this will be our best year in awhile. I know it will be the best since I've been here.
D1CW: I see you are a philosophy major. Are there many other philosophy majors wrestling?
KG: I'm not really sure, but I wouldn't think so. I'm the only one on the team at Pitt.
D1CW: When you are working at a wrestling camp, what moves do you like to show?
KG: Usually I just leave it up to the coaches. Whatever they want me to show is fine with me. This year though, I did show a lot of inside trips. The kids liked that, it was the takedown I got on Askren in the finals.
D1CW: What are you plans after this year? Will you continue wrestling?
KG: I plan to wrestle as long as I can. I just love wrestling, actually I love winning the most. I'll go as long as I can and we'll see what happens after that.
D1CW: Good Stuff!! Thanks Keith and good luck!!!
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