The Times Athlete of the Week: Somonauk’s Shea Reisel loves the wrestling grind, Disney’s ‘Tangled’

Even with her historic high school wrestling season over, culminating in her claiming the inaugural IHSA Girls State Wrestling State championship at 110 pounds, Somonauk’s Shea Reisel continues to dominate the competition.

Reisel received 435 of 832 total votes (52.3%) to win the winter sports season’s final Times Athlete of the Week honor. Serena girls basketball’s Jenna Setchell was runner-up. Also on the ballot were two boys cagers — Seneca’s Zach Pfeifer and Ottawa’s Anthony Miller.

The Times Athlete of the Week will return in early April.

Here is a Q&A with this week’s winner:

How does it feel to know you’ll always be a member of the first class of IHSA Girls Wrestling State champions?

It feels amazing. I honestly didn’t think that it was a realistic opportunity until I was training for it. I’m grateful that I was able to compete and hopefully represent the female wrestling community well. Furthermore, it was a feeling of pure happiness, almost as if a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I’m so grateful and honored to be a part of history.

Do you have any nicknames?

Many people call me “Shea Shea.”

Who have been a few of the most influential coaches in your life?

Coach Mike Otto and Colton Otto. But truthfully, I have an enormous amount influential coaches that support me.

What are a few of the things you enjoy most about the sport of wrestling?

I love working hard, it is one of the most amazing feelings I believe there is. I love “the grind” wrestling fanatics talk about, which few understand.

I also love the people I am gracious enough to know and meet through wrestling. I have been filled with lifelong relationships and love with so many people. I love traveling through wrestling and being able to experience so many different versions of wrestling. It is never the same, it is never boring, and there is always more to learn.

Wrestling truly is one of the most amazing sports known to mankind.

What would be a perfect breakfast for you?

A veggie omelet with avocado toast and a fruit bowl on the side, along with an orange juice and iced coffee!

What’s your favorite subject in school?

I love English.

What movie do you think you’ve watched more than any other in your lifetime?

I’ve watched the movie “Tangled” by Disney more times than I can count. It’s my favorite.

What does your pre-meet routine look like?

A typical pre-meet routine would be to weigh in, change, get food and water into my body. Then I completely zone it. I put on my headphones, listen to music, lace up my shoes and get ready to battle.

What are your plans after high school? Do they involve sports?

I am undecided where I’d like to wrestle in college, but I will be making my decision in the near future.