A Long Time Waiting: The Return of Willie Miklus
11/4/2017 11:27:00 AM | Wrestling
Two-Time All-American Willie Miklus returns to the mat after a season-ending injury kept him out for most of 2016-17
For redshirt senior 197-pounder Willie Miklus (Altoona, Iowa), Saturday's match against Illinois marks more than just the start of the season. It will mark Miklus' official return after being sidelined with a season-ending knee injury last November.
"It just kind of feels normal to be back again. It was weird not competing, so I'm really glad to have that normal lifestyle back," said Miklus. "Not wrestling was really weird, I didn't like it at all. I definitely didn't miss cutting weight, but I for sure missed wrestling."
The offseason was filled with small victories and milestones for Miklus, as the return was a slow one. Coach Smith reflected on his long road to recovery – both the physical and mental barriers he encountered.
"It wasn't easy, I know that. He went through some difficult times and he was wondering if he was ever going to get back. There was a point in the summer where we were like, 'Gosh, is he ever going to get his quickness back?'… But, in the last four or five weeks, he has just become the Willie of old."
This season, Miklus will wrestle a weight class up from his first two seasons as an attached wrestler, moving from 184 to 197 pounds. Miklus was originally recruited by Coach Smith and staff to wrestle at 197 pounds, and the spot was up for grabs following the graduation of Miklus' former teammate, J'den Cox.
Miklus is a two-time NCAA All-American, earning the honor during his freshman and sophomore seasons. As a sophomore, Miklus finished with a record of 21-8 and earned a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. This season, Miklus hopes to make it even further.
When asked about goals for the season, Miklus responded with no hesitation.
"I want to win, I want to win nationals," said Miklus. "That's it."
HE'S BACK. @wmiklus returns to the mat TOMORROW!#MIZ #TigerStyle ?? pic.twitter.com/EPp8cpfBxV
— #TigerStyle (@MizzouWrestling) November 3, 2017
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