Athlete of the Week: Lexi Janiak

Why Janiak was selected: The Cougars freshman wrestler took first place at 106 pounds in the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Girls State Championships. She recorded falls in all four of her matches, which covered a 6:02-span. And in the state title match, the nationally-ranked competitor only needed 59 seconds to record a pin.

Herald-News sports writer Curt Herron talked with Janiak.

Herron: What do you like most about wrestling?

Janiak: I like how wrestling is competitive and in order to be the best, you have to be the hardest worker.

Herron: What did you like the most about this year's team?

Janiak: The fact that everybody was pretty in sync with each other and everyone was really accepting of me being on the team.

Herron: What do you like the most about competing for Plainfield South?

Janiak: I like the fact that people at the school are so excited for me.

Herron: What's your favorite sports team and who's your favorite athlete?

Janiak: The USA women's wrestling team. And Helen Maroulis.

Herron: Who is someone that you'd like to meet?

Janiak: Jordan Burroughs.

Herron: What do you want to do in the future?

Janiak: I'd love to keep up my wrestling career as long as possible.

Herron: What's your favorite type of food and place to eat?

Janiak: I love mint chocolate chip ice cream. And Fuddruckers.

Herron: What do you like to do in your free time?

Janiak: I like to draw.

Herron: What's your favorite social media site?

Janiak: Instagram.

Herron: What's your favorite movies?

Janiak: The Marvel movies.

Herron: Do you have any pets?

Janiak: I have a Border Collie mix named Casey and a German Shepherd named Sasha.

Herron: What's your favorite type of music?

Janiak: I'll listen to anything.

Herron: Where's the most interesting place you've been and where you would like to visit?

Janiak: Florida. And Europe.