To say Mack Lewnes' plate is full is an understatement. He's a junior at Cornell University, an Ivy League institution, majoring in their world-renowned -- and demanding -- hotel administration program.
He's also ranked as the best Division I wrestler in the nation at 174 pounds. Right now, he has a perfect record of 25-0, and has not allowed an offensive point this season. (Lewnes is 96-7 in college.)
Lewnes is also the subject of an insightful profile posted at TheMat.com written by Craig Sesker of USA Wrestling.
Cornell's hotel administration program isn't very hospitable to a wrestler like Mack Lewnes... especially considering his family owns a steakhouse in his hometown of Annapolis, Maryland. Here's how the article addresses that that challenge:
Being around the family business makes it even more challenging to keep your weight down.
“Sometimes Mack comes back after being at home, and he looks like the official food taster,” Cornell coach Rob Koll said with a laugh. “It’s easy to gain a few pounds at their steakhouse. It’s a great place to eat.”
Later in the profile, coach Koll says:
“Mack is such a sweet kid,” Koll said. “He’s a real outgoing, gregarious kid who is real popular on our campus. He busts his butt in the classroom and on the mat. He’s been great to work with.”
Lewnes is hungry for an NCAA title. Last year, despite being ranked No. 1 at 165 pounds, he was knocked out of title contention on the first day of competition. He's hoping that the situation at the 2010 NCAA Division I championships is more hospitable.
Resourses
TheMat.com: Cornell's Mack Lewnes ready to make title run
TheMat.com: Schedule and scores for January 25-31 and February 1-7
TheMat.com: Wrestlers of the Week
College Wrestling 101: Links to articles answering basic questions about wrestling, including rules, scoring, uniforms, more
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