Tiger Style Summer Update: Mikey England & Cody Johnston
8/13/2014 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
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.
In the fourth edition of "Tiger Style Summer Update", we sat down with redshirt senior Mikey England and redshirt junior Cody Johnston 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: Last year was your first in Columbia, Mo. and with Mizzou wrestling. What positive differences have you noticed from Iowa State to Mizzou?
Mikey England: "A big difference is the visions and plans for success within the program. I was excited to get down here and wrestle for head coach Brian Smith, because his visions and plans have lead to consistent success at this particular level of wrestling. Also, I noticed different styles of wrestling between the two squads and I knew "Tiger Style" would help me achieve my personal goals."
MA: You started at 174-pounds for the Tigers in all 12 duals. How did you use that consistent experience in order to get better over the course of the season?
ME:"It was a great experience to start the entire season. It was the first time in my career to do so. That experience will be so much more beneficial this coming year, though. I fully understand the grind of an entire season, mentally and physically, and will be prepared to take on those various challenges a season can bring."
MA:You earned your first career NCAA Nationals Qualifier bid last season. What did it mean to reach that plateau, and what are you looking forward to most in your final senior season?
ME:"It didn't mean much to me, honestly. I have always known if I was the starter I would qualify for nationals. I want to have a conference title leading into nationals this year. I want to be on the podium at the conclusion of nationals. I want to hold up a team trophy with my fellow teammates. I want to celebrate with my family. But I'm most looking forward to the steps it takes to get there. Those things don't happen because someone wants them. Those things happen to those who earn them and compete for them."
MA:You moved your way into the Tigers' starting lineup at 184-pounds last season, as you started in five duals and at the 2014 MAC Championship. How will that experience transition into this upcoming season?
Cody Johnston:"I left last season on a high note for the team by gaining bonus points in my final bout and helping us obtain the MAC title, but as an individual I was disappointed not reaching the overall goal I had set for myself. Since that experience I've been training and it has made me even hungrier."
MA: What have you done personally this offseason as you prepare for the 2014-15 campaign?
CJ:"I've been doing the usual summer workouts with the team as well as things on my own. I've also realized what I'm wrestling for and changed my mindset from previous years."
MA:What are you looking forward to most as you begin your fourth season with Tiger Style wrestling?
CJ:"I'm looking forward to putting on that black and gold and stepping on the mat for my team and getting the wins for all the people out there that count on me. Also the final day of nationals is probably what I most look forward to. I just know the goals I set for myself will be accomplished and it will all seem worth it."
