Tompkins Weekly

Lansing’s Koll readies for the Big Stage in Albany



By Will LeBlond
Tompkins Weekly

 

With another perfect mark in the Section IV Division II Championships, Lansing’s Daniel Koll won his second straight sectional crown on Feb. 9, but he wants more than that this winter.

The senior was dominant during his run to the title, as he went 4-0, which included three pins (all in the first period) before he topped Bryant Sexton of Spencer-Van Etten/Candor 3-0 in the final. It’s clear that Koll was in control during his time on the mat last week, as he pushed his winning streak to 21 matches in the process.
“I just tried to make sure that I was really confident going into the tournament,” said Koll. “I knew I had trained really hard all season long and over the summer I had worked out a lot as well. Over the summer, I was doing a lot of offseason competitions, so I knew I was very well prepared going in and the whole tournament, I just kept reminding myself that I belong there and I’m very well able to win it.”

Koll has maintained a winning record throughout most of his years with the Bobcats, but the last two seasons have shown considerable growth. He’s 65-10 over that time and he feels more prepared now for the bright lights of some of the biggest competitions in the state.

“I’ve really grown to be comfortable with competition,” said Koll. “Even when I’ve been in really tough matches, I’ve learned to stay composed and not let nerves get in the way. I’ve tried to turn those feelings of nervousness into excitement by reminding myself that it’s really a privilege to be out there competing.”

He comes from a long line of family members that have performed on the big stage. His father Rob is a national champion from his time wrestling with the University of North Carolina and Daniel’s older brother Will is a current member of the Cornell team (coached by Rob) and is in contention for an appearance at this year’s NCAA Championship Tournament.

While there may be pressure to live up to what his other family members have done with their careers, Daniel doesn’t see it that way.

“Obviously there’s a lot of people in my house that really know a lot about the sport,” said Koll. “I can really pick their brains a lot and the most important thing is that I don’t feel forced to do the sport. They’re just there to help me and support me and give a helping hand whenever it’s needed.”

Now, this time of year is important for all of the Koll boys. Cornell is getting ready for the EIWA Tournament, which is the first weekend in March and Daniel will head to Albany soon for the State Tournament, which will be his second appearance there after he went 1-2 last winter.

The best in the Empire State will converge on the Times Union Center on Feb. 23 and until then, Koll is making sure he’s doing everything he can to be ready.
“I feel like I have to amp it up that much more,” said Koll on his preparation. “From here on out, it’s only two more weeks. I’m not going to be able to get that much better in just two weeks. I’m just going to give it one last push and give it the best workouts I can.”

And with him being a veteran now of the state tournament and this being his final year of eligibility with the Bobcats, Koll is ready to let it all hang out.
“This year I’m going to feel a lot more comfortable with it,” said Koll. “I know what it’s like, I know what to expect and I’ve been there before. I know I’ve improved a lot from last year, I can deal with competition better and I know it’ll be my last run there, so I’ll be able to give that last push and not hold anything back.”

 

 

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