Athlete of the Week: Blake Riley-Hawkins

Lakewood Ranch High junior Blake Riley-Hawkins captured his first-ever district title in the 132-pound weight class of the Class 2A-District 11 tournament Feb. 4, in Port Charlotte. With the win, Riley-Hawkins will advance to the Class 2A-Region 3 tournament Feb. 10-11, in Charlotte. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What was your reaction when you won the district title?
Of course, I was happy, but I’m always looking ahead to the next level and trying to do even better. I was definitely happy, but I wasn’t as ecstatic as I should have been.

What was the toughest part about moving up two weight classes?
It was definitely an adjustment in the strength side of it and having to move the size of the other guys.

What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Definitely a state championship. I think, at the very least, I need to place.

How long have you been wrestling?
Since I was 5 years old.

Do you play any other sports?
I played football my freshman and sophomore year, but this year, I swam. I’m probably going to do weightlifting, too.

Who is your biggest role model?
I have two — my brother, Kyle, and Ohio State wrestling coach Tom Ryan. I would say my brother, because I’ve known him so long, and he’s such a good kid. He never really does anything wrong, and I just want to follow in his footsteps.

Do you have a favorite breakfast food?
Oatmeal

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
Either an engineer or some type of physical trainer

Do you have a favorite sports team?
The Ohio State wrestling team

What’s your favorite subject?
Math and science. Math, because I’m good at it, and I love solving problems; and science, because I’m interested in the natural things that happen around the world.