Caleb Kirkpatrick
MALE
Caleb Kirkpatrick// Columbus East junior wrestler
Kirkpatrick won by decision against Columbus North, then upset a pair of ranked wrestlers to take the 144-pound class and win Outstanding Wrestler honors Saturday in leading the Olympians to the East Invitational title.
His performance last week: “The North dual meet, (Cohen Long) beat me last year, and I ended up coming back. He was 12th-ranked, and I wasn’t ranked, and it was just huge for me. Then (Saturday), I came into the tournament super confident, just trusted my coaches and my abilities, and it panned out well for me.”
Do you do anything special to prepare? “I walk around two matches before, throw my headgear on one match before, loosen up my shoulders and ankles and go out there and just wrestle.”
Favorite drink: “It’s been water this year. It’s been the biggest helper in cutting weight.”
Favorite food: “A big ‘ol burger.”
Favorite class: “I’m a History nerd.”
Favorite sports team: “Pittsburgh Steelers”
Favorite athlete: “(Wrestler) Cael Sanderson. He was awesome in college, and he’s one of the best coaches of all-time now.”
Role model: “My step-dad (Albert Puchany). He’s always talking me through my matches. We’re always watching video. He’s been there for me and always will be.”
Best advice: “It you’re going to go out there and wrestle, you might as well wrestle your butt off. Just go do your thing, trust your coaches and trust yourself, and results will be there.”
Athletics goal: “Just keep pushing the rankings, keep mixing things up and surprising everyone, beating people I’m not supposed to beat and just being me.”
If you could travel anywhere: “I want to go to the Dominican Republic. I was planning to go there for a class trip this year, and I didn’t get to go, but it’s awesome there. I want to go to a Third World country and just learn the other side of the world.”
FEMALE
June Berkenstock // Hauser sophomore basketball player
June Berkenstock
Berkenstock led the Jets 23 points in Friday’s 47-35 win against Edinburgh and scored 14 points in Saturday’s 51-46 victory against Centerville.
Her performance last week: “I think I did a lot better with finishing at the rim and getting to the free-throw line. I think our team as a whole just had a good attitude, which helped everyone.”
Do you do anything special to prepare? “I just work on my shot when we warm up and make sure that I’ve always eaten before a game.”
Favorite drink: “Dr. Pepper.”
Favorite food: “Hibatchi.”
Favorite class: “Match.”
Favorite sports team: “Indiana University”
Favorite athlete: “Sydney Parrish”
Role model: “My older sister (Hauser senior basketball player Norah Berkenstock).”
Best advice: “Try your hardest, and don’t let your teammates down by not trying.’’
Athletics goal: “Win (Mid-Hoosier) conference before I leave the school.”
If you could travel anywhere: “Probably The Bahamas, because I love warm weather and it’s a beautiful place.”
