Junior Duwayne Villalpando has recently committed to University of Nebraska–Lincoln for wrestling. He has been wrestling since he was 4-years-old and has loved it ever since.

“The Nebraska coaching staff has impacted me the most on making this decision,” Villalpando said.

Villalpando said his favorite wrestler, Jordan Burroughs, went to Nebraska for college. He thought it would be a cool experience to go somewhere where his idol has once been.

“I wanted to go to Nebraska because everyone there makes me feel like family,” Villalpando said. “They have known me forever and the coaches are great.”

Villalpando’s coaches at Maize have shaped him into the wrestler he is today and have helped Villalpando reach his dreams by pushing him as hard as they can.

“He spends most of his time training for wrestling.” Coach Schauer said. “He works with a number of people to hone his wrestling skills and his physical self.”

Villalpando makes regular trips to Oklahoma State to work out with other wrestlers who have reached a higher level of performance. He has worked with Nico Hernandez, Wichita’s Olympic Bronze medalist in boxing, to enhance his quickness and stamina. Villalpando also competes in national level tournaments against some of the best wrestlers in the country.

“Duwayne is dedicated and has worked hard to get himself to the next level,” Schauer said. “I am also proud that he has remained humble, is approachable, and is a good, respectable man.”

Villalpando said he believes committing this year was easier than waiting until his senior year.

“I decided to commit this year to take off pressure for next year,” Villalpando said.

Villalpando has a goal to become a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion in college.