NAIA College Preview Series: #1 Life University
Life University’s Peyton Prussin getting the gut wrench. Photo courtesy of Life University Athletics.
by Jeremy Eusterwiemann
Twitter: @wiems19
Life University is the #1 ranked team in the NAIA Coaches poll. There is a buzz around the wrestling community about this Life U program and rightfully so. They bring a great mix of depth and return a plethora of talent. The Running Eagles also boast one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. What excites the coaching staff more than anything is the opportunity to be a team again. To be a team that can bond, push, strengthen and grow together. This is a team that has built a culture that fights and dies for each other on the mat. The Running Eagles get to be themselves again and for us wrestling fans that is much-welcomed. The Life University program will be a must follow as the season progresses.
Here is an interview I had with the Running Eagles Head Coach Ashley Flavin (previously Ashley Sword).
1. What are your reflections on last season?
Last season was bittersweet. Clearly COVID impacted everything. It was a difficult year in that we spent a majority of the season broken up into small groups to try and ensure as much wrestling as possible. That worked—many of our athletes had 20 matches last year—but it came at a cost. There was a large emotional and mental toll on the team, and we were not able to gel as we have in previous years past. From a competition standpoint, we were hurt by some injuries throughout the year, and while we had a lot of success, it still did not feel as if we performed to our highest levels. 10 All-Americans (including 2 champs and a finalist) and a National Runner-Up finish is a great mark for our program, but it felt as if we lost first. The 2nd place trophy was and is a good reminder of the work we need to do still.
2. Talk about your returning class. Who are some of the women you have high expectations for this year?
All ten of our national placers are back this year. All three of our national finalists are poised to do well—Peyton Prussin, Julia Vidallon, and Jordan Nelson. We are also excited to have Gabby Hamilton back from injury (she placed 4th at the 2020 WCWA Nationals and was MSC Champion). We are also excited to have Sie Powell back (2018 U23 World Team Alternate). I am very excited to see how our Seniors approach this last year, Katalina Bartelt, Briana Kellin, Hailey Finn, Jordan Nelson and Destinee Rivera all have this last shot to finish the job. (Decisions are still being made on if anyone uses their COVID year next year).
3. Talk about your incoming freshmen class. What are some of the names that you expect an immediate contribution from?
Salyna Shotwell out of Washington made a name for herself last season; she is a lot of fun to watch. With her natural toughness and work ethic combined with tough drill partners (Prussin, Vidallon, Powell), she is going to make waves pretty quickly. Paige Denke and Sylvia Pierce are both incredibly strong and coachable, I expect them to do well. Brianna Funakoshi is a transfer from MVC who did extremely well in Hawaii, and Alma Mendoza from Washington is a transfer from Colorado Mesa who is a previous AA and Pan-Am Silver Medalist. Elizabeth Grabiec, a state champion from Texas may surprise some people with her strength and hard-nose attitude.
4. How do you feel about your preseason?
We were finally able to get back to who we are as a team this year. That is finding ways to share experiences and grow closer so that we can push harder. We were able to continue our relationship with the US Marine Corps and the Officer Selection Team led by Captain Mary Buxton. Experiences like that are what will continue to pull us closer as we move forward during the grind of the year.
5. Talk about some of your team's goals this season. Are there any specific events you're excited about?
The team has the goal to win when it matters. The biggest goals they noted were to be Conference and National Champions (both at National Duals and the NAIA Invitational). We are also very excited to be included in the Midlands Championships December 30th. Moreover, they have goals to win big on Senior Night and to draw closer together this year (which in turn I know will help drive them forward to achieving their goals on the mat).
6. What are some things you've built into your program that you credit for the success you've had so far?
We focus on effort and little disciplines. The wins will come if we stay disciplined and work hard. We also focus on small goals that lead to the larger wins, for example, focusing on one point at a time instead of taking it a match at a time. All of that is underlined by the love they have for each other and the sport. Love drives out fear. There isn’t much someone cannot do if they would just stop being afraid.
7. Who are some of the personalities in the room that are providing leadership and shaping your culture?
Julia Vidallon is proof that hard work will win matches and that losses and mistakes do not define us. Throughout several injuries, Hailey Finn is dedicated to the team and has stepped into a leadership role providing feedback and support to the athletes. Jordan Nelson is proof that hard work will get you to the pinnacle of your career if you believe in the process. Riley Dalrymple, Destinee Rivera and Katalina Bartelt have all found their voices, but more than that, are being examples of how living the lifestyle will get the job done.
8. Anything else you'd like to mention?
Competition is exciting, but we are most excited to feel like a team again. Last year splitting into small groups for COVID protocols, it felt as if we lost a part of our identity. This year we are back to the core of who we are, tough, physical wrestlers who are willing to kill and die for each other on the mat. It’s good to feel like ourselves again.