July 23, 2014

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The 2014-15 school year at the University of Missouri is only weeks away, and members of the Mizzou wrestling team have continued their summer workouts in preparation for the upcoming season.

Recently, we sat down with redshirt senior Ty Prazma and redshirt sophomore Cole Baumgartner to discuss a variety of Mizzou wrestling topics. Check-in to MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou wrestling. You can also find the Tigers on social media, by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter (@MizzouWrestling).

Mizzou Athletics: You're one of seven seniors entering this year for the Tigers. What will you do to serve as one of the primary team leaders this season?

Ty Prazma: "I want to try and serve as a good example for the younger guys both on and off the wrestling mat. We have goals and standards that we set towards this season, and being a positive influence towards reaching said goals is how I think I can help lead."

MA: What's your favorite memory so far while competing as a member of Mizzou wrestling?

TP: "Even though I didn't compete that specific weekend, National Duals two years ago was an awesome experience with the team. We upset Ohio State 28-6, and went on to upset Iowa (who was ranked 2nd in the country at the time) for the first time in program history. The overall energy and camaraderie of the team made it a very memorable experience."

MA: What are you personally and the team doing this summer as you continue to prep for the 2014-15 campaign?

TP: "Individually and as a team we are getting a lot of extra workouts in. We are learning and refining technique, but also lifting and training to stay in shape. Everyone on the team is getting something out of the summer and it's really helping towards our wrestling, but also helping us come together as a team."







MA: You're set to enter your third season in Columbia. What have you enjoyed most being a part of Mizzou wrestling?

Cole Baumgartner: "I think the thing I enjoy most about the team is that it's like a family away from home. I basically spend all day every day with my coaches and teammates whether it is lifting, practicing, studying, hanging out, or living together and it is nice knowing they will always be there for me."

MA: What summer workouts have you done individually to help prepare for the upcoming 2014-15 season?

CB: "The main thing I have focused on this summer is lifting, because I felt small last year at 133-pounds and I feel like getting bigger will really help me."

MA: What are your personal and team goals for the upcoming year?

CB: "My personal goal is to be the starter at my weight, become an NCAA qualifier, and then an NCAA All-American. I feel like that should be everyone's goal on this team, and if we do that I think we can definitely contend for the national title as a team this year."