Lee MunsterMunster, who competed at 171 pounds this past season, is InterMat's No. 8 senior recruit in the country. He has given a verbal commitment to Northwestern and is projected to compete collegiately at 174 or 184 pounds.
InterMat recently caught up with Munster.
Why did you choose Northwestern?
Munster: I chose Northwestern because they have the perfect balance and emphasis placed between wrestling and academia. The wrestling program is developing and becoming one of the best in the country and the coaches at Northwestern are extremely supportive and devoted to their current and future wrestlers. The academics at Northwestern rank very highly in the country and this will lead me to success hopefully both on and off the mat.
Two-time NCAA champion and U.S. World Team member Jake Herbert is around your weight. Have you met him before or had a chance to work out with him? If so, what has that been like?
Munster: I have had the pleasure and opportunity to both work with and get to know Jake. After a few select workouts with Jake, I have found that it's an amazing experience to be able to stand opposite someone with such success. Jake is a premier example of a Northwestern product; having both success in athletics and academics, which proves that this is the type of person I hope to continue to become in the future. Having him as a coach and workout partner will hopefully help me to emulate his current and future success.
You're a seven-time judo national champion. How has your judo helped your wrestling?
Munster: Judo helped me in wrestling specifically because it increased my mat awareness and although the mental approaches to each of the sports are different, it still enabled me to have success through complimentary movements in both arenas. Judo has helped me to understand and learn about defeat because this is a sport that can be won or lost in a second to even the most surprising of opponents. Along with Judo helping my mental abilities in training and competition, judo has helped me tremendously with my balance and footwork; especially in throwing situations in wrestling. Judo has also helped me keep composed in stressful situations and this helped me to have an edge on my opponent. My experiences in the national judo championship matches definitely helped keep my composure in many of the most defining matches of my wrestling career.
What are your plans for the summer?
Munster: My summer plans are to continue my offseason training by wrestling freestyle this spring and summer. I have participated in the Junior Western Regional, the Junior National Duals, and I plan on wrapping up this summer's competition by competing in the USA Wrestling Junior Nationals in Fargo. I am also preparing myself for my senior season and will continue to try to be as prepared for college as possible.
What are your wrestling goals at Northwestern?
Munster: My wrestling goals at Northwestern are to be a four-time All American and hopefully an NCAA champion.
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