He’s listed at 75kg for Bill Farrell
I had a lengthy conversation with Mason Manville today. Mason is currently training at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs. He will be competing in the 80KG weight class at the non-Olympic weight World Team Trials in Greco Roman. I’ve talked to Mason a few times before this and he doesn’t disappoint during the interview. I’ve been a fan of his individuality in pursuit of his wrestling goals for a long time. We talked about a wide range of topics from life at the OTC, communication with Penn State about his future, dealing with success after his Cadet Gold and his long history with wrestling. We even touched on politics.
Mason has attracted a lot of flak from onlookers since he won a Cadet World title. More have piled on because he hasn’t fit into the “normal paths” of most high-level wrestlers and many wrestling fans don’t like this non-traditional approach to life and wrestling. He’s a fiery competitor, which is less common in medicated modern society. I appreciate authentic individuals and Manville appear to me to be just that.
Maybe I have an affinity for Mason because we share a similar mental athleticism. I find myself routinely examining the 100 different variables I might face in many aspects of my life. Maybe it’s just what wrestlers do. At the end of the day, Mason has a self awareness that many can relate to or take inspiration from in this interview.
Keep an eye out for Mason Nov. 9-12 in NYC at the trials, which run concurrently with the Bill Farrell Memorial Open. There should be some excellent wrestling on display. If you are in the metro New York area check it out.
Mason’s road to Cadet Gold 69KG/152lbs via bonus points
Manville over Mahammad Hasanzada (Azerbaijan), 14-1
Manville over Gheorgi Pascalov (Moldova), 10-0 Quarter Finals
Manville overPritam (India), 13-3 Semi Finals
Manville over Radik Valiev (Russia), 5-0-Finals