UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; When COVID-19 originally put the sporting world on pause, it included the prohibition of fans at events. This year the fans are back, boosting the atmosphere at events and making them feel more alive.
"For me, it's just enjoying every opportunity I get. Nothing is better than putting on a Penn State singlet, especially with the crowd being there now," Senior wrestler Roman Bravo-Young said.
Bravo-Young tries to look at wrestling with a different perspective. The crowd is important to him and how he performs in matches.
"I think about how I can entertain the crowd. I'm not too worried about winning or losing. I just see how I can entertain and move my feet," he said.
Bravo-Young had a story book season last year. He went 14-0 throughout the season, was the Big Ten Champion at 133, won his first NCAA title and was the Penn State Male Athlete of the Year.
With the addition of fans this year, there can be added pressure and expectations to do the same and be even better than last season, but Bravo-Young thinks otherwise.
"Coming off of last year's season I feel great. I don't feel any pressure, it's just wrestling at the end of the day. I just have to stay focused and take one match at a time," he said.
However, one goal that he has for himself is to step onto the mat and be the best possible version of himself.
Pre-season preparation for Bravo-Young includes many training methods like MMA, jiu jitsu, wrestling, lifting and jump rope. Each method helps him to improve different areas that, when combined, improve his wrestling as a whole.
Bravo-Young believes that no one has the sport perfected. There are always things that a wrestler can do to improve.
There are things that one can take from previous years or matches, see where they got beat and work on those weaknesses to grow. For Bravo-Young this means constantly training because he wants to continue to grow and get better every day.
"That's the thing with me, I always feel like there's more work to be done. I like working out two or three times a day every day, which is not good. So, the coaches have told me to pull back, but that's just my mindset and work ethic," Bravo-Young said.
The coaches have pushed him to see the importance of balance. When to go as hard as he can, but also recognizing when to take a break and let his body rest.
The past three years have allowed him to grow both on and off the mat.
"I've grown a lot, more so off the mat. Just understanding my why, why I'm doing it and who I'm doing it for. Making sure that I'm happy and being able to enjoy myself more," Bravo-Young said.
His work ethic allows him to grow as a wrestler as well as a person.
"It's about finding ways to pick yourself back up when you're down, it is part of life. Not everyone is living a perfect life," Bravo-Young emphasized.
In addition, work ethic is one thing that he feels is important to take with him once his wrestling days are over.
His ability to keep fighting and work hard every day is something that Bravo-Young wants to teach kids in the future, hoping to achieve that by possibly becoming a wrestling coach himself.
However, it's more so about positively affecting kids that have been in the same situation as him.
"I think it is about helping them. Especially where I come from, a lot of people don't have father figures," Bravo-Young said.
He grew up with his mom, Sarah Bravo and siblings.
For him it's about being that source for kids who don't have fathers, who are going through tough times and who don't think they can be successful.
"I was once one of those kids who didn't really come from much and being able to give back after everything that I have been through and experienced here at Penn State is something I have thought about," Bravo-Young said.
