Andrew Pokorny's first year wrestling for the Cornhuskers has been quite the experience.
NU Coach Mark Manning said he is glad to have the determined wrestler on his team.
"He is a go-getter," Manning said. "He is a dedicated wrestler and student-athlete and a really tough kid. He wants to excel at the highest level."
From Bennington, Neb., Pokorny graduated from high school in 2007 as one of the most decorated wrestlers in the state. The former Class C wrestler is one of Nebraska's few three-time state champions, winning in the 103, 112 and 125-pound weight classes, respectively, to finish up his prep career. Pokorny didn't shy away from his academic side either, graduating as a member of the National Honor Society with a 4.0 GPA while scoring a 30 on his ACT.
Pokorny came from a high school where his father was his coach. Manning said it taught Pokorny some good, basic skills that have enabled him to start off well as a freshman. Manning said while Pokorny has been transitioning into becoming a collegiate athlete, the Nebraska facilities have allowed him to grow as a wrestler. Though still in his redshirt year, Pokorny has become known by his teammates as a hard worker who hates to lose.
With the open portion of the wrestling season over, Pokorny won't officially compete again until next winter. The freshman compiled a record of 9-1 in two tournaments, He made his collegiate debut at the Dana Open in Blair, Neb., where he went 5-1 and finished in third place overall while wrestling unattached. In the event, he wrestled in the 125-pound weight class against wrestlers from schools in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.
At the Brand Open at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Pokorny finished in first place, going undefeated in four matches, including a pin and technical fall. Learning from the collegiate level tournaments he competed in this year, Pokorny said he has seen what he needs to improve on.
"I feel like I have made a lot of progress throughout the course of this year," Pokorny said, "as far as working on refining my technique and getting better out there (and) going live on the mat."
As for his future with the Huskers, Pokorny said it is looking good.
"I just think at the rate I am going, things are just looking up," Pokorny said. "I look forward to each and every season after this as far as it comes to national level of competition."
Pokorny is just 18 years old, but Manning said he may not even pass for that. Though he may look young, it can deceive opponents about the type of wrestler he is. The talent he holds as a 125-pounder should help the Huskers in that class for years to come.
"He is young-looking, very unassuming looking at times," Manning said. "Though he wrestles like a man, he is going to be a good one for us. Andy has real bright future.
"We are real happy he is in our program."
danaahrens@dailynebraskan.com
