Bruno Nicoletti got a taste of stepping onto the medal stand at the Class 5A state wrestling tournament last year, and he wants more.
The Cherokee Trail senior took fifth place at 106 pounds in 2012 at the Pepsi Center and has jumped all the way up to 132 pounds this season. He is off to a 10-3 start for the Cougars and is currently ranked eighth in 5A by On The Mat.
Nicoletti — who sports a 4.3 GPA — lists college scholarship offers from the Colorado School of Mines, Hastings College, Colorado State-Pueblo and the University of Chicago, Augustana.
What is your favorite high school memory, athletically or otherwise?
Definitely being a state placer (last year), but I also won Homecoming King this year.
What’s the biggest sacrifice you have to make to play your sport?
The weight cutting. It is terrible, but worth it.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you in sports or in life?
If you walk out thinking you’re going to lose, you’ve already lost; the more you run, the more you eat.
Are you a leader? If so, what do you think makes a good leader in yourself or others?
Yes I am. I feel like a leader can’t always be a nice guy. Say what will get them better, not what they want to hear.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions when it comes to your sport or life in general?
No, I feel I’m a pretty grounded person, but if I dream about winning, I always do.
If you listen to music before a game, what gets you most ready for competition? If not, how do you get focused?
I don’t listen to music. I think about what I am good at: 1. I have shots I know are always there, 2. I can turn anyone, 3. I don’t get turned on bottom.
What’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t and why haven’t you?
Baseball. I was good when I was little, but wrestling took most of my time.
If you could pick a person living or dead to spend a day with, who would it be and why?
Peyton Manning. He’s my favorite quarterback on my favorite team (the Denver Broncos).
Other than sports, do you have another true passion in life and if so, what is it and why?
I play a lot of Madden, but wrestling takes up all of my time.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Participating in the Olympic Trials in hopes of getting on the team and maybe a medal.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555