In His Own Words: Kyle Cochran | Within Reach

Ahead of this week's NCAA Wrestling Championships in Detroit, Maryland wrestler Kyle Cochran gives his thoughts on the season, the upcoming tournament, and what it means for him in his final season as a Terrapin.

I was ready for this season. Everything was coming together for this season.

It’s the best I’ve ever felt on the mat. I had my academics in line. I found my voice and was ready to be a true leader. This was the year. 

After a summer of training with teammates I knew that I, and us as a team, was ready for what came next. 

We missed out on training together in 2020, now we’re back. A family training together. 

The coaching staff pushed us harder than ever. The young guys brought the energy. And us seniors knew what it took to compete at this level.

The season began at the Clarion Open. And in a sport like wrestling, you never know what’s going to happen. I let myself down, I dropped a match in the semifinals. I walked off the mat wondering what was wrong. But I was also focused on moving forward even better.

As the dual season progressed I found myself in The Pavilion. Team victories over Duke, Drexel, and Navy electrified the fans and just added to the hype. As the fans saw our growth and cheered us on, I could feel myself getting better and better on the mat. This was our time.

Exams and the Holiday season passed, now it was time for one of the biggest tournaments int the nation: The Southern Scuffle. I had a tough draw but I was prepared. As the tournament got rolling I could feel the momentum building. Next thing I know I’m into the finals wrestling the 13th-ranked wrestler in the nation after beating numbers 15 and 14.

I could feel the excitement, but I didn’t let it get in the way. I wrestled my style and my match. I didn’t mess around. And in the end I got it done with a 4-1 decision. Standing atop that podium, taking home the giant bracket, it felt so good.

But still, it was only the start. We still had the Big Ten season. Excelling in the Big Ten is a tough task and I found a way to do that in one of the toughest weight-classes.

I dropped some matches, but I know each one made me better. Those are the toughest guys in the nation and maybe the world. That got me prepared for the gauntlet that was the Big Ten Championships in Lincoln, Nebraska.

My first match was against a ranked foe and I would only face ranked opponents in my six matches on the weekend. What a weight class. The weekend was a grind, as soon as I finished a battle I was preparing for the next one. Shoutout our trainer Mikey Z. 

In the end I didn’t reach my ultimate goal standing on top of the podium, but I finished sixth. I later learned that was the highest finish for a Terp since my buddy Youssif Hemida did it in 2019.

My performance at Big Tens showed my grit and my heart. 

This weekend in Detroit is where my goal awaits.

My determination to achieve the goal of being an All-American. 

My goal since the season started. 

My goal since my career started. 

My goal since I started wrestling.

It's all within reach this week.