For Penn State Senior Greg Kerkvliet, the wrestling mat is just one area where he showcases his incredible talents. Beyond the tough practices and competitive matches, Kerkvliet embraces academics, has a myriad of diverse interests and holds ambitious aspirations in the world of combat sports.
Kerkvliet's journey into the world of wrestling was inspired by his father, who had a background in wrestling himself. However what ignited his own wrestling journey is a testament to when his older sister brought home a flyer for wrestling in elementary school. The sibling duo actually had their first ever wrestling practice together, and this is where Kerkvliet's journey started.
Outside of wrestling, as a student, Kerkvliet majors in recreation, park and tourism management. He manages to maintain a solid grade point average, helping to contribute to the consistent success Penn State Wrestling sees on an academic level. He reveals that balancing academics and wrestling is based on a level of self-discipline.
"There's time in the day," says Kerkvliet. "It's just about getting the energy to do it and get the work done, which for me usually isn't terribly hard."
As the calendar flips to the off-season, Kerkvliet's journey takes an interesting twist. His fascination with mixed martial arts leads him to explore the world of combat sports, particularly boxing. He believes that this off-season training has a positive impact on his wrestling performance.
"I think it definitely helps with endurance, especially if you're boxing a lot," said Kerkvliet. "It helps with your shoulder endurance, and if anything I think being a good wrestler helps me more to succeed at MMA."
Kerkvliet spends his off-season in Pittsburgh with his family, and training in all things boxing, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He trains at American Top Team here in State College, Pa. Once Kerkvliet is no longer a Penn State wrestler, he wants to fight professionally as an MMA fighter.
But his aspirations go beyond just training in mixed martial arts and winning national titles at Penn State. He aims to represent the United States at the grandest stage, the Olympics. Qualifying for the Olympic team involves navigating a complex tournament structure and winning the Olympic trials. It's a challenge he is ready to embrace.
To qualify for the Olympics, Kerkvliet will compete in a tournament similar to a US Open where he will have to place in the top five in order to qualify for the Olympic trials. The trials will be in April here in the Bryce Jordan Center, where he will have to win the trials in order to make the Olympic team.
"I'm aiming to become the best wrestler in the world," said Kerkvliet. "The ultimate goal is winning the Olympics. It's a dream I am pursuing, and I'll keep working towards that goal."
The Olympics this year are in Paris, where Kerkvliet aims to hopefully make the stage where can compete at the highest level possible.
As for his time at Penn State, some of Kerkvliet's favorite memories include winning team national championships. Moving into this season, he shared some of his personal and team goals.
"Obviously, as a team we want to win another national championship," said Kerkvliet. "And for me, I want to be a Big Ten and national champion, make the Olympic team, and win the Olympics."
His journey, inspired by a chance elementary school flyer that introduced him to the sport, embodies a remarkable blend of determination, goals, and interests well beyond Penn State wrestling.
