A memorable career

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 6, 2007 | by JUSTIN PEDERSON, THE GAZETTE

Limon senior Kevin LeValley (39-1) became the 14th person in Colorado history to win four state wrestling championships, taking the Class 2A 145-pound title this year.

He will wrestle at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., next season.

For his accomplishments, LeValley has been named The Gazette's Small Schools Wrestler of the Year.

What were the keys to your success in high school?

First of all, coaching. I had great coaches in the high school room, in the club room and in my dad. The second key was a good work ethic. You have to have that drive and hunger to be the best. I've had great family support as well.

What do you like most about wrestling?

I like the one-on-one competition and the fact that, win or lose, you know you have given your all. I like that it's just you and your opponent on the mat.

Who are your wrestling role models?

There are a lot of wrestlers I look up to. My favorite role model of them all is Rulon Gardner, because he has overcome adversity. Two other role models for me are Jim Gruenwald and Rafael Wilson, two of my coaches. Jim Gruenwald was at the Olympic Education Center in the Springs, but is now at the Olympic Training Center in Michigan. Rafael Wilson has competed on the international circuit for several years. He was one of my club and private coaches.

What is your pre-match routine?

I'm very superstitious about it. I have the same warmup and the same routine. I pace for anywhere from 10-40 minutes before a match. I don't think about what my opponent is going to do. I'm just thinking about what I need to do to wrestle my perfect match.

How much do you wrestle outside of the high school season?

The high school season is three months out of the year. I wrestle 11 months out of the year. I take a four-week break in August and September because my parents make me.

What is your favorite move?

It would have to be my stack. In the peewee room I was doing what peewee wrestlers do, inventing things. I got a three-quarters stack mixed up with a cross wrist ride and over the years I've perfected it and made it my own.

Your expectations for your first year at Bucknell?

I've talked to my coach at Bucknell, coach (Dan) Wirnsberger, and he's looking at putting me into the varsity lineup as a true freshman. I expect to be able to rise to the occasion and be at the NCAA Tournament next year and hopefully be an All-American.

How has wrestling prepared you for the future?

Wrestling has taught me a great deal about commitment, sacrifice and hard work; things you need to be successful in school, business and life.

If you could not wrestle, what would you be doing?

That's tough to imagine because I've been doing it for so long. I think I'd still be getting ready to go to a highend academic institution similar to Bucknell.

What do you see yourself doing after college?

I'd like to stay involved with wrestling whether coaching or competing at the international level. I can also see myself in a business career or maybe an entrepreneur.

If you could have dinner with any three people dead or alive, whom would you invite?

Rulon Gardner, because he's my favorite wrestler. I'd also say the president and Jesus.

Who are the most influential people in your life?

My family, my coaches and my community. I live 30 miles south of Limon but I started my high school career at Limon because of the wrestling team and because I could take AP (Advanced Placement) classes. Limon's a great place to grow up. The community has always supported me.

Who was your biggest rival in high school?

Lance Gallegos (3A state champ at 140 pounds) from Arrupe Jesuit in Denver and Kole Neugebauer from Holly. I haven't wrestled Kole since sophomore year. Arrupe Jesuit is 3A now. I've wrestled Lance several times in freestyle and Greco tournaments.

Outside of wrestling, what are you most proud of?

I'd have to say my academics (he has a 3.97 GPA). I think I'm ranked seventh or eighth in my class. We have a lot of really smart kids in our class.

What is the worst injury you have ever had?

In sixth grade I ice skated over my left hand. I think it took 13 stitches. My freshman year I bit through my tongue in wrestling practice. I had to get five stitches in my tongue. They can't numb the tongue very well so I had to hold it out while they stitched it up.