JEFF FIELDER Editor
GERING – Nate Murillo, a senior at Gering High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Murillo is one of the top wrestlers in the Class B 132-pound weight class. He currently has a 28-9 record. Murillo wrestled at Morrill High School his freshman, sophomore and junior years, qualifying for state each of those seasons. He placed fifth at state his freshman year at 106. He wrestled at 120 his sophomore year and then was at 113 his junior year. He reached his 100th career victory this season. He had a 97-21 record coming into this season, and his career record right now is 125-30. His parents are Staci and D’Angelo Murillo.
Q: How’s your wrestling season going?
MURILLO: “This season has been going really well. I’m up a couple weights from last year. I feel like I have more strength. I have some great partners in the room to work with. They’ve been helping me out a lot this year. I hope to get back up on that podium at state in Omaha. I’m also hoping to win districts because every year I’ve ended runner-up.”
Q: Has it been a big adjustment going from the 113-pound weight class to 132?
MURILLO: “I’ve grown a lot, and I’ve gotten stronger, so I don’t notice that much of a difference. But it is kind of crazy to think about, going from 113 last year to 132 this year.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed wrestling at Gering High School this school year?
MURILLO: “It’s been going really well. Jarred Berger and Randy Donelson have helped me out a lot.”
Q: Talk about how things have been going for Gering’s wrestling team.
MURILLO: “We have a strong team this year. I think we have a really good chance of taking the team state title this year. We’re also hoping to get into the state duals. Our coaching staff has really turned this program around. It’s fun being part of it.”
Q: What are your plans after you graduate from high school?
MURILLO: “I plan to wrestle in college. I haven’t decided where yet. I’m going to wait until after the season is over to commit, but the main college I’m looking at right now is a junior college in Sterling – Northeastern Junior College. They have a really good program, and so does Iowa Western Community College.”
Q: How many years have you been wrestling?
MURILLO: “I’ve been wrestling since kindergarten.”
Q: Just how passionate are you about wrestling?
MURILLO: “I started out being not too great as a wrestler. I wasn’t winning tournaments or placing really high. I always kind of felt down about myself. At one point, I thought maybe wrestling wasn’t for me. But I’m glad my parents always pushed me to stick with it because here I am today, winning more matches than I ever thought I would win when I was a little kid.”
Q: Have you thought about what you would like to pursue as a major in college?
MURILLO: “Yes, I’m interested in exercise science. I would like to be a personal trainer. I love fitness. I think it would be really cool if I could one day open up my own gym.“
Q: After college, would you like to move back to this area?
MURILLO: “I’m not too sure. I love it here, but it depends on where I get a job. I do have a lot of family here, though, so that will be a big factor.”
Q: Outside of wrestling, what else do you like to do for fun?
MURILLO: “I like to hang out with my friends and my girlfriend and my family.”
Q: What is your favorite class this year?
MURILLO: “My favorite class is probably either business with Mr. Plummer or gym with Mrs. Freeburg.”
Q: During your athletic career, which coach has made the biggest impact on you?
MURILLO: “My coach in Morrill – Willie Schwartzkopf – coached me since I was a fifth-grader. And Jarred and Randy have helped me out a lot this year, too.”
Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?
MURILLO: “The Steel Grill.”
Q: What do you like to order there?
MURILLO: “Spuddies. It’s like their steak nachos, but instead of using chips, they have potatoes.”
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
MURILLO: “I like Jordan Oliver. He’s a wrestler.”
Q: Who makes people laugh the most on Gering’s wrestling team?
MURILLO: “Without a doubt, it’s Nate Rocheleau. He’s never failed to put a smile on my face.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Gering High School?
MURILLO: “Caleb Powers has always been super kind to everybody. He’s always very respectful. He’s a senior.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
MURILLO: “I wish people would treat others with more respect. Give people their privacy, and don’t get into other people’s business.”
Q: Favorite TV show?
MURILLO: “That ’70s Show.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one local business, which one would it be and why?
MURILLO: “I would go with Kristy Culek at American Family Insurance. She’s been like a second mom to me during my high school career. She’s always been there for me. She’s a good role model. She’s always taken me under her wing whenever I needed it.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
MURILLO: “Yes, I have three siblings. I have a sister whose name is Courtney (22), and I have two little brothers – Isaiah (12) and Christian (9).”
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
