Athlete Profile: Caden Young

Shawano Community High School senior wrestler Caden Young already knows he’ll be wrestling at the collegiate level, but first he’s focused on making his final high school season his best one yet.

Young signed his letter of intent to Southwest Minnesota State University on Nov. 17. Since then, he’s won a bunch of matches and turned in some strong finishes at tournaments.

Young finished 5-0 for the Hawks during the Catbird Duals on Dec. 3. He earned a technical fall win in the team’s dual win over Bonduel on Dec. 8.

The senior, who qualified for state as a junior, placed second at the Battle on the Bay on Dec. 10. Young also placed second at the Shawano Holiday Classic on Dec. 17, winning by technical fall and two decisions.

Coming into the season, Young was already a three-time all-conference first team performer and had never lost a conference match. He also has two regional titles and a sectional title to his name.

Q: When did your interest in wrestling begin?

A: I started wrestling in third grade, but I really started to get interested in wrestling in middle school after making youth state a few times.

Q: What is your favorite part about the wrestling season?

A: My favorite part of the wrestling season is the tournaments. I love competing and actually going out there and competing with my friends.

Q: What has wrestling taught you over the years?

A: Wrestling has taught me determination. You’re met with all types of struggles throughout everyone’s wrestling career, whether it’s injuries, losses or something else. But you learn to just keep pushing and keep improving.

Q: Talk about the work you’ve put in to become the wrestler you are today.

A: To become the wrestler I am today, it’s literally taken years. I train all year-round, and the only sport I do is wrestling. It’s really taken a lot of hard work and time to get where I am today.

Q: Do you have any individual goals you hope to accomplish this season, and what will it take to achieve those?

A: My goal is to win a state title. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but I think with a little fine tuning, I’m at the level.

Q: Many seniors will have their wrestling careers come to an end after the season ends. How special is it knowing you will get to continue wrestling at the college level?

A: It’s really special, and I’m very grateful to be able to continue my wrestling at the college level. I love this sport and can’t wait to continue to chase my goals at the college level.

Q: As a senior, how do you try to lead the rest of your team?

A: I try to lead by example and help out with the other wrestlers when I can.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Shawano wrestling team?

A: My favorite wrestling memory was the Green Bay United dual last year. It was a crazy dual with some very interesting matches. That was probably the most fun I’ve had at a dual.

Q: Favorite movie, TV show and musical artist?

A: Movie — “Jurassic Park 2.” TV show — “The Office.” Musical artist — Juice WRLD.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I have been to Sweden and Denmark for wrestling.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I hope to become an NCAA All-American and then become a teacher. Hopefully, one day I can coach high school wrestling.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Caden Young

Sport: Wrestling

Weight class: 170 pounds

School: Shawano Community High School

Year: Senior