In a past blog, I mentioned that Brandon Sorensen is another in a long line of tough Iowa kids that grew up dreaming of being an Iowa Wrestler that is now carrying the torch in the next generation of Iowa Wrestling. I cannot think of a better way to describe him than that. Sorensen has been so solid and successful right from the beginning of his career that I can see where some may take his victories for granite.
Sorensen started his career with forty wins to come one shy of tying Ed Banach for the most wins by a freshman in Iowa Wrestling history. That is quite an accomplishment. Sorensen was named as the John and Dorothy Sill Most Dedicated Wrestler on the Iowa Wrestling squad that year as well. After placing fourth as a freshman, Sorensen placed second last season.
The best way that I can describe Brandon Sorensen is the word consistent. This guy always looks the same, and that is tough. He does not seem to have the peaks and valleys. He always works hard in the room and competes hard on the mat in competition. He does not look like he ever has a bad day in the practice room.
There are no real surprises as you know what you are going to get from Brandon Sorensen and that is everything that he’s got. That steady and consistent day in and day out work ethic in the room and winning in competition is the cornerstone of the Iowa Wrestling legacy and why there are so many Iowa Wrestling fans. Nothing flashy. Just solid day to day work and results. That kind of sums up the State of Iowa as well.
What are your goals for this year in your junior season?
Brandon Sorensen: Goals? Obviously to win the national title. Get on top. Grow from last year and get better from last year and win the national title.
What is it going to take for Iowa to win the national team title?
Brandon Sorensen: It’s gonna take every weight. Putting together the best team possible and everyone going out there and giving 100% to wrestling to their capabilities.
How did you get started in wrestling?
Brandon Sorensen: I got started in wrestling through my dad and brothers just kind of wrestling around the house and it took off from there.
At what age did you know that you wanted to be an Iowa Hawkeye?
Brandon Sorensen: I grew up always watching the Hawks. I knew I always wanted to be here. I came here and watched a meet and felt the atmosphere of the Hawk family.
What wrestlers did you look up to when you were growing up?
Brandon Sorensen: You don’t have to go back that far. Matt McDonough, Metcalf.
Who is your favorite teammate to watch compete?
Brandon Sorensen: That’s hard to pick. You have a lot of them. You have Gilman who just goes out there and gives it his all. Stoll, who is not an original Hwt. He goes out there and he’s fast for a Hwt. He doesn’t give up. He keeps competing.
What is your major and what are your plans for after college?
Brandon Sorensen: My major is Sports and Rec Management. After college I may continue to wrestle. I am not sure.
What is the best thing about being an Iowa Wrestler?
Brandon Sorensen: The great coaches here. Great fans. Great atmosphere. The history. And you have great partners in the room that push you every day.
Looking back, in what time period of your Iowa wrestling career did you improve the most?
Brandon Sorensen: I would say that redshirt year was huge. I think it’s big for a lot of people because it gives you a year to develop. You get used to the college style and learn new things and build on that.
What is is like being out there in competition in Carver Hawkeye Arena or anywhere across the country and hearing the roar of the Iowa Wrestling fans behind you?
Brandon Sorensen: Awesome. It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. It’s just an awesome feeling.
