10 SECONDS

10 SECONDS

with Joe Aumann

Justin Siewierski

Editor-In-Chief

js2010@plymouth.edu

At 125 pounds, the Hopatcong, New Jersey native will be the first Panther wrestler to compete at NCAA Nationals in five years. Leading his team with a 28-8 record, Aumann stunned the 125 pound weight class with a 3rd place consolation win in the NCAA Northeast Regionals back on February 26th. After losing to Southern Maine’s Peter Del Gallo in the opening round, Aumann was able to win two consolation matches before reaching the 3rd place consolation bout. After a 5-4 decision, Aumann was able to hand Del Gallo his third loss of the season and ad- vance to the NCAA tournament; the first PSU wrestler to do so since 2012.

The social studies education major has blossomed since coming to Plymouth State. With 48 career wins between the 125-pound weight class and the 133-pound weight class, Aumann is becoming one of the elite wrestlers in Division III. I had the opportunity to sit down with Joe Aumann for this week’s installment of 10 Seconds.

When did you first start wrestling?

I started in kindergarten at 6 years old.

Who is your role model?

I wouldn’t say I have one person in particular that would be my role model, but there are numerous people that I look up to on a daily basis that always help me improve.

What motivated you to wrestle?

I’m not sure what motivated me to wrestle since I started at such a young age, but what motivated me to get better was seeing the success of others and how enthusiastic they were when winning big matches.

What was your "welcome to wrestling" moment?

My welcome to wrestling moment was my freshman year of high school when I lost an end-of-the-year wrestle off, ending my season earlier than I had expected. This motivated me to become better and work harder and is still something I look back to while training today.

Why did you choose Plymouth State?

I chose Plymouth State because it resembled an environment similar to my hometown. It is a small community where everyone gets along and knows each other. I felt like it was a place that I could succeed in.

What has been your best moment at PSU so far?

My best moment has to be qualifying for the national tournament. It has been something I have been dreaming about since I was young, and I have been working really hard towards for the last two years.

What have you been able to take away from collegiate athletics?

I have learned that although it can be time consuming and challenging, it is very rewarding and I’m able to enjoy every minute of it.

What is your pre-match routine?

My pre-match routine is to stay calm, confident and loose. I do not try to work myself up or get angry or nervous. Just try to go with the flow, keep a good mind and remind myself that I am going to win.

The regional championships were pretty crazy for you and the team, but you were able to capture third by beating Peter Del Gallo, who put you into the consolation bracket in day one. Walk me through the two

wins before getting revenge with Del Gallo.

Waking up on Sunday (the second day of the tournament) I had a great feeling that today was going to be my day. Both wins I had I got out to an early lead and maintained it throughout the match, sticking to by game plan and getting my hand raised both times.

Representing your team in NCAA Nationals is a pretty big deal. How much does that mean to you as a wrestler?

It means a lot to me, as my coaches, teammates, friends and family have helped me get here. Everybody that has helped me along the way plays a part in making it to nationals and I cannot thank them enough.