Record Newspapers Athlete of the Week: Ryder Janeczko, Yorkville, wrestling, senior

Name: Ryder Janeczko

School: Yorkville, senior

Sport: Wrestling

Why he was selected: Janeczko won the 190-pound championship at the Southwest Prairie Conference meet, helping lead Yorkville to its fourth consecutive conference championship.

He was selected the Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Here is his interview with Sports Editor Joshua Welge.

Winning conference, what does it mean? How do you feel you wrestled?

Janeczko: Winning conference was nice. I feel like I wrestled pretty well and felt like myself, which is nice because I haven’t felt that good in a while.

How has the season gone otherwise? Any other wins stand out?

Janeczko: The season hasn’t been too good to me. I have placed decently at most tournaments but wasn’t wrestling like myself. I have been hurt or sick quite a bit and just now I’m starting to feel healthy.

I think I saw you picked up your 100th career win this season. What did that achievement mean?

Janeczko: The 100th win was pretty big for me. Last year I missed just about the first half of the season because I broke my collarbone and had to get surgery, so I was pretty proud that I got my 100th.

How are you a better wrestler this year?

Janeczko: I have been going out more confident which has been paying off for me.

What are the things you’re working on the next two weeks before the postseason? What are your goals for the postseason?

Janeczko: I’m trying to just get stronger and better conditioned. My goal is to be at the top of the podium.