Student-Athlete Check In: Aaron Brooks – Penn State Wrestling
As the events of early March unfolded and changed all over the country, Penn State student-athletes found themselves facing uncertainty and transition in their academic and athletic realities.
The Penn State wrestling team, winners of eight of the last NCAA National Championships, were just days away from heading to Minnesota for the 2020 NCAA Championship when the NCAA canceled the event. As the entire Penn State family works for ways to stay connected, we can check in with some of head coach Cael Sanderson's wrestling team to get some insight into how typical student-athletes reacted, adjusted and began the process of forging ahead in our current circumstance.
Today we check in with true freshman Aaron Brooks. Brooks had just become true freshman Big Ten Champion at the Big Ten tournament and was heading to the NCAA Championship looking to become a true freshman NCAA Championship when the NCAA canceled the event. Brooks posted a 15-1 overall record with three majors, one tech fall and three pins.
Brooks took the time to answer some questions from GoPSUsports and offers some good insight into the daily life of a Nittany Lion during this time:
GoPSU: What was your first reaction when you heard that spring break had turned in to online learning?
A: I knew that it would become a challenge but I also thought it was the safest move.
GoPSU: How have you been adapting to online learning?
A: For me it was a love/hate relationship early on but I have adapted pretty well!
GoPSU: What has your family been doing together during this extended period of social distancing? Any family activities, etc.?
A: Lots of movie nights and game nights.
GoPSU: What is the one thing you miss most right now about not being back at Penn State?
A: My teammates and coaches along with wrestling.
GoPSU: How have you been keeping in contact with your teammates?
A: We talk via text, facetime, snapchat and we have team zoom meetings.
GoPSU: What other things have you done during this time away from Happy Valley?
A: The best habit I've picked up is reading for fun!
