Gabe Dean answers some questions about his biggest challenges, future plans, and more.
 

1. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
   I definitely draw my inspiration from my teammates and my coaches. They all work very hard at what they do and it pushes me to keep improving the standard for myself.

2. What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
   I think the biggest challenge for me is probably being too strict to a routine. It's definitely good in this sport and really in any sport to have a routine you go through for eating, sleeping, practice, etc but it can become unhealthy when you are so strict to it and don't loosen up a bit. There are going to be little bumps along the way that mess up your routine and you have to be willing to accept them and not let it stress you out.

3. What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
   On the contrary (to the previous question), I definitely think one of the keys to my success is being disciplined to my routine. This sport is all about discipline especially when you get near the end of the season when things matter the most.

4. How do you handle pressure and stress on and off the mat?
   Most people think that this sport is all about winning and losing wrestling matches and that puts a lot of pressure and stress on them. I know this because I have done it. Although I have come to realize wrestling serves as much more than that. The things that I have learned from wrestling and the relationships that I have been able build are much more valuable to me than winning or losing a wrestling match. The lessons and experiences you learn from this sport whether you win or lose are the things you are going to draw from for the rest of your life. This keeps everything in perspective for me and keeps wrestling fun with little pressure or stress.

5. What are your goals for the future?
   I think my ultimate goal is to never stop improving. And I'm not just talking about wrestling. I never want to stop improving as a teammate, friend, wrestler, son, brother, etc. The moment we stop trying to improve ourselves and stop trying to be innovative in creating enjoyment in our lives is the moment we start to fail. Whatever you are doing the most important thing is to make sure you are enjoying. Everything is a process and you should enjoy the times of adversity as much as you should enjoy the times of triumph.

6. How is your health and hand?
   My health and hand are good. The wrestling season is long and even when you don't know it, it can break you down sometimes.

7. How has your time on the team affected your life off the mat?
   My time on this team and the experiences I have been through since I have come to Cornell have really helped me grow up and see what is most important in life. The Cornell wrestling program has done so much for me and I am so grateful to be a part of a place that helps their athletes grow as a people not just wrestlers.

8. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
   Where do I see myself in 15 years? That is a great question. I guess we are going to see how that one plays out together.

9. What advice would you give yourself as a college freshman?
   I think I would tell myself to really take everything in because it goes faster than you can imagine. I can still remember the first day I arrived at Cornell and now I'm wrapping up my junior year. Enjoy the process and the experiences because they go fast and you can never get them back.

10. What are your plans after college?
    My plans after college I'm not really quite sure yet. My little brother is coming to school here which I'm excited to be reunited with him so I know I'll be sticking around at least for a little bit.

11. What bands or music as of late do you listen to?
    Lately, I've been listening to a lot of country and 80's to 90's rock and roll. I don't know why but I go through different phases where I listen to different styles of music. I pretty much like everything out there.