LARAMIE, Wyo. (Dec. 27, 2020) – The Wyoming Cowboy Wrestling squad features a diverse group of newcomers on the roster for the upcoming season. Get to know the Cowboy Newcomers through this Q&A series. 
 
Hayden Lieb joins the Cowboy Wrestling squad as the only grappler from Alaska, where he was a 4 time Alaska State Champion. He was also a four time All-American during his high school career. 
 
How has practice and training differed from high school to college? 
 
Practice has changed a lot from high school. I was only doing 2 practices a day a couple times a week, not every day. So that was something I had to get used to. 
 
What are you most looking forward to going into your fist season at UW?
 
The thing I am looking forward to the most in my first year of collegiate wrestling is learning and growing in every aspect or wrestling. 
 
What is one thing you learned in your high school career that will help you to compete at the college level? 
 
One thing I learned in high school from wrestling is that you still need to work hard if you want to be successful. No one has made the podium without putting all they have into each practice. 
 
What is your favorite memory from your high school career?
 
My favorite memory from wrestling in high school would be winning my 4th state title with my dad as my coach. 
 
Do your model style after any other wrestlers? 
 
My style of wrestling is a little close to David Taylor's. I am still working on being as strong and explosive as him but that will come. 
 
What's the biggest goal you have set for yourself in your first year at UW? 
 
My biggest goal for myself at UW would be getting better every day. If I am working on some small adjustments or the whole move. I try to improve my wrestling every day. 
 
How do you think your experience in being a 4-time state champion prepared you to compete at the college level?
 
Being a 4-time has prepared me to wrestling in college because it taught me how to be a winner. In wrestling, you need that winning mentality. 
 
Coming from a state that's not as known for wrestling, do you have a chip on your shoulder at all? 
 
I wouldn't say I have a chip on my shoulder but I am planning on putting Alaska on the map and helping future generations put it on the map. 
 
What were the biggest factors in you deciding to come to Wyoming from Alaska?
 
Some of the factors in coming to Wyoming was it felt like home when I first got here. The coaching staff felt right to me and I thought I would be able to become the best man and wrestler when I leave.
 
Do you have any pre-match or pre-tournament rituals and/or superstitions?
 
I don't really have any pre-match or pre-tournament rituals. The only thing I do is shake my coach's hands before I step on the mat to check in.