I love the team bonding aspect of (sports). Though some may argue wrestling is an individual sport...
Name: Tyler Bodovetz
Class Year: 2025
Major: Chemistry on pre-medicine track
How/Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
I chose Ohio Wesleyan because of the nice connections they have with nearby sports teams in regards to sports medicine. It helps that the science center is super nice with a ton of 1-on-1 opportunities present. Also, the wrestling coaches were very down-to-earth in the recruiting process and helped me feel like I could assimilate very nicely into their culture.
How/why did you choose your major?
It's one of the best to help prepare me in terms of medical school as it would require me to complete many of the prerequisite courses that are recommended for the MCAT. I've also always been really into science and it's where my passion lies.
Why did you choose to compete in sports at Ohio Wesleyan?
I love the team bonding aspect of them. Though some may argue wrestling is an individual sport, I'd like to think that in many ways it's not and that it's helped me gain many friends. Also, I chose to compete because of the life lessons that can be drawn from the sport. You can't blame anybody but yourself for a loss and you have to develop a sense of courage to step out and try to physically/mentally dominate someone for 7 minutes.
What are your strengths as an athlete (as an individual)?
One strength of mine is my work ethic. I like to think I developed this through seeing my mom's hours and how she always managed to stay on top of her work. It inspired me to do the same in not only my school work but in sports or small things at home like chores. Another strength I have is that I'm team-oriented. Over the next 4 years here I plan on growing with both my teammates and coaches to not only be the best version of myself but to make those around me the best versions of themselves as well. One more strength I have is my willingness to learn. Coming from high school, it's been super humbling to realize there's so much more to the sport than I realized. This could be in terms of thinking 2 steps ahead or taking a certain technique from a coach that you never thought you'd use. To have coaches willing to put the time in is super nice as it allows me to expand my knowledge of the sport and grow as a wrestler.
What is your number one goal, personal or team, for the season?
My number one team goal for this season is to help advance as many guys as we can to become All-Americans. There are so many talented guys in the room and I truly believe if we can string it all together it could be a great year for us. Personally, my goal is to be a national champion. Though it sounds cliche as everybody puts that as their goal, I have built out a plan with many small goals to help myself get there, starting with trying to place at every tournament.
What event/sport other than your own would you like to try?
I would love to try lacrosse. That's like the one major sport offered for males that I haven't had the chance to try due to my high school not offering it.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with?
Jordan Burroughs, Roddy Ricch, and Kevin Hart. (Quite the trio, I know)
What is your ideal travel destination?
Probably some urban area like New York City. I love all the camaraderie and the constant go-go-go attitude. I definitely couldn't go to a rural area as I would get bored pretty quickly because I love socializing.
If you could visit another time, when would it be and why?
I'd visit the early 2000s again. It seemed like such a good vibe then, with all the classic songs dropping and all the memories I have from my childhood. Things like snow days, video games, and sports were all a huge part of creating this positive atmosphere and I wish I could go back and experience it all again.
by Michaela Alfano '25
