The junior 106-pounder finished fourth at National Preps last weekend, earning All-American status, and placed fourth at the Pa. Independent Schools Tournament for the third consecutive year. He earned his 100th career win in the championship finals at The Brunswick (Conn.) Invitational in January, and he was selected as the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler.
Q: Tell us a little about your experience at National Preps last weekend.
A: National Preps was my best tournament of the season by far. I loved being on the big stage and I was just trying to embrace the moment and let it fly. I won my first two matches and made it into the quarterfinals, where I lost a close match to the No. 2 seed. I then won three more matches in wrestle backs, and avenged a loss against a kid who beat me earlier in the season.
Q: What was your most memorable moment at National Preps – can you share it with us?
A: My most memorable match of the tournament was most definitely in the consolation semifinals when I upset the No. 1 seed and No. 8 ranked kid in the nation at my weight class, a kid from Blair Academy. The score was 2-2 when I took him down with 10 seconds left in the match to take the 4-2 win. It was my best match of the season, and had to be one of the biggest and most memorable wins of my career. The support and emotion from my coaches, teammates and family cheering during the match was unreal, and I couldn’t have done it without them by my side. Taking fourth place and becoming an All-American at National Preps was an unreal experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Q: Tell us a little about your 100th win earlier this season in the finals of the Brunswick
Invitational – can you tell us a little about how the match progressed?
A: My 100th win came at an awesome time during the finals of the Brunswick invitational. I started off the match hot by getting a takedown and some back points. I had a comfortable lead and felt great throughout match. In the third period I really started to open my opponent up and ended up pinning him. I looked over to my coaches, teammates, and family and saw them cheering and holding up 100 signs. The support was unreal and it’s a moment I will always cherish. Being named outstanding wrestler of the tournament just topped off a great day.
Q: What do you consider your biggest strength and what you are working on most currently?
A: I consider my experience to be my biggest strength. I’ve been in a lot of big matches and tournaments throughout my career, and that helps me get the job done and win tough matches.
Q: What have been your toughest matches this season?
A: My toughest matches of the season this year have come at Beast of the East, Prepslam, States, and National Preps. They are all big tournaments and I had an awesome time competing in them.
Q: Who has been your biggest wrestling mentor, and what is the biggest thing he taught you?
A: My biggest wrestling mentor is probably my Dad. He’s coached and supported me
throughout my career. He’s taught me so much about the sport I love and how to push
through the hard times and keep moving forward towards success.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-match preparation the day of a match.
A: I like to get a good night sleep before the match day, or tournament day. I stay focused all day, and you can usually find me listening to music to stay relaxed. When the match gets closer I like to get a great warm up in and get pumped up for my matches.
Fun facts – Blair Orr
Favorite TV show: Prison Break.
Favorite pre-match pump-up song: 21 Savage.
Favorite pre-meet meal: Wawa Chicken Caesar Wrap.
Favorite color: Blue.
Person you most admire, and why: “An athlete I admire is Odell Beckham Jr. I love the way he plays with passion and leaves everything he has on the field.”
Family members: parents Sean and Gina, four olders sisters – Cassandra, Sabrina, Shayna and Lexa.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
