Cole Williams Seeks Success in Real Pro Wrestling

Kent Sesker Real Pro Wrestling
10/23/2006

Cole Williams believes the way to win wrestling matches is the old fashioned way, by being in top physical condition and outworking your opponents. When Williams finished his senior season at Delavan-Darien High School in Delavan, Wis., he wasn´t satisified with a conference title, a 34-5 record and a trip to the state tournament.

The University of Dubuque (Iowa) was a virtual wrestling graveyard when Williams arrived, not fielding a full team for several years. Williams has helped Coach Jon McGovern resurrect the program into respectability and the Spartans now have over 30 wrestlers from all over the country on their roster. UD competes in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the toughest Division III league in the country.

"As far as being a part of rebuilding a program, I think that is what made me tougher," Williams said. "I didn´t have any footsteps to follow, I had to learn everything the hard way. Now I am trying to pass down some of the things I have learned to other UD wrestlers."

Williams completed his college eligibility last season with his second straight trip to the NCAA Division III National Tournament at 165 pounds. Far from a household name, Williams established himself as the leader of the University of Dubuque Spartans over the last four years and now holds school records for season and career wins with 44 and 107 respectively.

Williams now accepts the challenge of competing in Real Pro Wrestling´s Season 2 at the North Regional qualifying tournament on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Williams will wrestle at 163 pounds. Williams realizes his collegiate accomplishments are behind him and the RPW competition will be tougher as well.

"I think RPW is a great way to promote our sport and having the chance to wrestle in it is a great honor," he said. "In high school I never had much talent. I believe that hard work is the key to success."

Williams´ college training often included three to four workouts per day. His relentless style and extra gear in the closing minutes have become trademarks of his wrestling success. Williams still enjoys running and lifting weights to maintain top condition and is also looking to begin competing in Mixed Martial Arts events.

Williams´ other collegiate accolades include: two-time team captain and outstanding wrestler, as well as UD Athlete of the Year.

Williams is easy to find prior to his matches. You´ll see him stomping around the arena, getting mentally prepared with his headphones on, blasting Metallica or Linkin Park. Williams is ready to challenge all entrants in a loaded weight class which includes NCAA All-Americans Ryan Churella (Michigan) and Tyron Woodley (Missouri).

"I want to wrestle against the best guys," Williams said.

Post collegiate wrestlers from all NCAA divisions, as well as NAIA and Junior Colleges, will be competing in each of the four regional tournaments starting with San Jose on Oct. 28. The other events will be held Nov. 11 in Philadelphia and Nov. 18 in Tulsa.

Regional champions will advance to The Super Challenge on Jan. 7 in San Jose for the right to represent one of the eight teams for the dual-meet portion of the season, which will be in the Spring of 2007.

Mark your calendar, and help support the world´s oldest and greatest sport by attending one or more of these events. Applications to compete are still being accepted. Wrestlers interested in competing can contact Dean Morrison at dean@realprowrestling.com.