Another big recruit will be in Iowa City this weekend for a visit. When you hear that he is a State champion from Pennsylvania and he is a teammate of current Hawkeye commits Spencer Lee, Kaleb Young, and Gavin Teasdale in the Young Guns Wrestling Club, you get even more excited. Max Murin of Central Cambria High School near Pittsburgh is another in what is becoming a long line of tough wrestlers from the Young Guns to take a look at the legendary Iowa Wrestling program. Wrestling fans in Iowa took note of the name Max Murin this past fall. Last October, Murin defeated three-time State Champion and incoming Iowa recruit Brock Rathbun of Center Point-Urbana at the Conflict at Carver in a solid 6-2 decision.
Murin placed fifth in State as a freshman, won a state title at 113 as a sophomore, and placed second last season at 126. He is also a Cadet All American in Freestyle. Last weekend Murin won his third straight Pennsylvania Freestyle state title in dominating fashion. Murin had three tech falls including in the finals. His closest match was a 9-6 victory over Jack Davis of Wyoming Seminary, a prep national champion this year. Murin is currently ranked 20th at 126 lbs. by Intermat. Look for him to climb up the rankings this season by quite a bit.
Max, what are your summer plans for competition?
Max Murin: I plan on going to Fila Cadet World Team Trials in Ohio next week and then I will be at the Disney Duals wrestling for the Young Guns. Depending if I make the World team, I will be at Fargo or the World Championships.
What weightclass will you be at this summer and next season.
Max Murin: I am wrestling at 58 kilos (127 lbs.) for the trials and I am thinking I will compete at 138 next season. For college I am looking at 141/149.
How has Young Guns helped in your career?
Max Murin: The Strittmatters are awesome. They really make you a better person first and then a better wrestler. They really help prepare you for college. You tell them how far you want to go in wrestling and they help you get there. I train there Monday through Thursday. I really feel it is like a college room. Young Guns is a great place to prepare for college.
How would you describe your wrestling style?
Max Murin: I would describe my style as a grinding wrestling style. I like to keep the pressure on and get to my leg attacks. It is nothing flashy, I just grind.
The Iowa Wrestling Class of 2017 looks to be the best recruiting class in thirty years. Led my marquee recruit Spencer Lee, the 2017 class has some serious potential. What are your thoughts on Iowa’s recruiting class so far?
Max Murin: I think it’s awesome. 2016 to 2018 classes look really good right now. With Marinelli, Teasdale, Lee, Kaleb Young. Iowa’s getting the guys right now.
Do you workout at the Young Guns location with the incoming Iowa recruits?
Max Murin: Yes, I workout with Spencer, Gavin, and Kaleb Monday through Thursday.
Have you thought about a major yet?
Max Murin: I am looking at Engineering right now.
Do you have a list of colleges you are looking at right now?
Max Murin: Right now I am taking a lot of unofficials. I am just starting to narrow the colleges down. The University of Iowa is one of my top choices right now.
Was you able to make to the Grapple on the Gridiron?
Max Murin: No, I didn’t make it out for that. But I did compete in the Conflict. It was great to compete in Carver. What a great environment for wrestling.
What are your wrestling goals?
Max Murin: I definitely want to win another State title. I want to win at every level. I want to win a couple of NCAA titles and hopefully World and Olympic titles.
Any idea when you will be making your college choice?
Max Murin: I do not know right now. I will wait until I know the time is right. I do not have a set date.
