Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Bailey Corneliuson, New Trier wrestling

Bailey Corneliuson is a senior wrestler for the Trevians. He recently won the Central Suburban League championship at 175 pounds.

1. Do you have any prematch rituals or superstitions?

I don’t do too much. I just sort of like to watch matches before mine, see what moves they are doing. If we’re at a meet, I especially like to watch the prematches because they are close to the weight I’m wrestling. I can see what moves they’re using and if their defense is any good.

2. What are your plays for next year? 

I’m hoping to to potentially come back to wrestling. I’m probably going to school at Oakton (Community College), taking some classes to become a paramedic or something like that.

3. What is your dream Job? 

That is a really hard question. There are so many occupations. Some honorable line of work, like a firefighter or or something like that. 

4. What’s your favorite thing to do off the mat? 

I like to hang out with friends. I like to mess around with my siblings (older brother Riley, older sister Haley) and play video games most of the time. Other than that, I try to explore new things when I can.

5. What is your favorite game right now?

Right now, my favorite video games are “Elden Ring” and “For Honor.” They are both fighting games. One is like an RPG and one is a team fight. 

6. If you could try another sport, what would it be? 

My friends have been telling me I should try rugby. So I would probably try rugby. I’ve also been thinking about going into powerlifting.

7. When did you know you were a good wrestler?

I started wrestling in fifth grade and didn’t think I was great then, but in eighth grade, I really did well there and thought I was good. But then high school came along, and you’re back at the bottom of the barrel there. My senior year and junior years I started to believe in myself more and have confidence as a wrestler.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I just go for some snacks or something, along the lines of a good chip, like Pringles, and maybe a Brisk or two. 

9. What is something people don’t know about you? 

I guess from a stranger’s perspective, and one of my friends told me on the wrestling team, that I portray as the captain and people who met me found me intimidating. But when they get to know me, I’m more bubbly and friendly.

10. What is your goal to finish the season?

Individually, definitely is making state. It’s a big goal I hope to achieve, but making sectional is still pretty good. As a team, definitely getting multiple people to state and having our JV make the most of conference. I hope the JV return (Saturday) with multiple conference medals. Finishing the season strong is the main goal.

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