Meet the Freshmen: Cullen Pedersen
September 15, 2014 | Wrestling
Sept. 15, 2014
MADISON, Wis. - With the season opener just a little over a month away, UWBadgers.com is giving fans a chance to get to know the Wisconsin Wrestling team on a more personal level.
One new member to the team is Cullen Pedersen, a 5-foot-6, 165 pounds freshman from New Lisbon, Wis. Pedersen is planning on majoring in geological engineering. Pedersen had an overall high school record of 174-14. During his senior season, he was voted MVP for the third time and was a team captain for the third year in a row. He was also selected to second-team all-state and was a champion at the state tournament. As a junior, Pedersen was team captain for a second time, MVP and had a 5th place finish at state.
In a banner sophomore season, Pedersen was an All-state Honorable Mention Scholastic, placed third at state, was named Teamp MVP and captain of his team. In Pedersen's first year at New Lisbon, he was a state qualifier. He was coached by Brian slater during these four years. Pedersen attended the J-Rob Intensive Camp three times during his high school career. Outside of wrestling, Pedersen was awarded four letters in football as well as four letters in baseball. He was also involved in FBLA, G.I.U.E. and FFA.
Getting to know Cullen:
What is your most embarrassing wrestling moment?
When I was in first or second grade I was just at a tournament and I had a girl in my bracket. You know, you don't really think anything of it, but she ended up beating me pretty bad. That was pretty embarrassing.
What are you most excited about starting up here?
I'm really excited to develop into the college wrestling style. It's a lot different than the high school style. It's more physical, more aggressive, you need better technique and you need better counter-technique. I'm just excited to learn from the experienced guys and figure out what to do from there.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Aaron Rodgers of LeBron James
What is your favorite sports team?
The Green Bay Packers
Favorite movie?
Probably Law Abiding Citizen
Favorite Food?
Lobster
Superhero?
Superman
Favorite wrestling memory?
Winning state. It was my senior year. I had one more shot to do it. I've gotten close before but I was never able to get it done, but senior year I made it to the finals and I won.
Coolest sport event ever attended?
I've never been to any NFL games. So I would probably say last year I was at Badger basketball game when they played Michigan State at the Kohl Center. I was sitting in the student section and that was a pretty cool game.
Biggest fear?
I'm pretty scared of heights.
Favorite Halloween costume?
Scream
If you weren't a wrestler what would you be doing? Football
Least favorite household chore?
Washing dishes.
Most famous person you've ever met?
Dennis Hall.
What song would be on the soundtrack of your life?
There's so many. My Humps by the Black Eyed Peas. That's just always the song that comes into my head; it doesn't really reflect my life.
