InterMat talks to Villalonga about his college decision, Blair Academy, and his wrestling goals.
Chris VillalongaVillalonga: In the end, I just felt as though I could achieve all of my goals there. The school speaks for itself both academically and in wrestling. Both of these facts weighed heavily in my decision process.
What other schools did you consider and/or take official visits to?
Villalonga: Rutgers, Harvard, Penn, and Lehigh.
What was the recruiting process like for you? Enjoyable? Stressful?
Villalonga: Very stressfull! I want to thank all of the coaches who spent time recruiting me. It was a very difficult decision because all of them put in a great deal of time and effort during this process. In my opinion I could not have made a bad choice because all of the coaches were great.
What weight class do you plan to compete at this season? And where do you project collegiately?
Villalonga: At this point I am unsure, I will decide in a few weeks when I have to certify. I could see myself competing at 149/157 in college.
Have you decided on a major at Cornell?
Villalonga: Yes, I plan on attending the AEM School of Business at Cornell.
Ivy League schools, like Cornell, are not allowed to redshirt athletes unless there is legitimate injury to the athlete. So you will be competing for a spot in the lineup right away. Did that factor into your decision at all?
Villalonga: Yes, it did factor into my decision, but I hope to be ready to compete right away.
Cornell has also received a verbal commitment from Marshall Peppelman. Have you gotten to know Marshall at all ... and if so, have you had a chance to talk to him about the decision?
Villalonga: Yes, I met him on my official visit and we got to know each other little. I have not spoken to him since then, but look forward to training with him the next four years.
The success of the Blair Academy wrestling program speaks for itself. But for you personally, how much has the Blair Academy program helped your development as a wrestler?
Villalonga: Blair has helped me grow immensely not only as a wrestler but also as a person. Over these past three plus years, Coach Buxton has taught me so many things in a short period of time that I don�t think I could have learned anywhere else. Even now, each time I step into the wrestling room, I feel as though I learn something new. He gives each one of his wrestlers one hundred percent of himself ... and that is what he expects from us in return. He has taught me many life lessons that will stay with me the rest of my life.
You are a three-time National Prep champion, multiple-time Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East champion, and helped lead Blair to a national title last season. What are your wrestling goals for your senior season of high school before you head off to Cornell?
Andrew Alton and Chris Villalonga squared off at Junior Nationals in Fargo. Alton is the nation's No. 2 recruit by InterMat, while Villalonga is No. 3 (Photo/Dave Jedlicka/jedicheetah.com)Obviously, you still have your senior season in front of you, but have you mapped out your college wrestling goals?
Villalonga: My goals are probably not much different than most wrestlers entering college. It would be great to be a four-time time All-American and eventual NCAA champion. I obviously have a lot of hard work in front of me to be able to achieve these goals
In addition to your high school success at Blair, you have also had success in freestyle. Do you think you plan to continue on with your freestyle career throughout college? And do you have long-term goals in freestyle wrestling?
Villalonga: Yes, I enjoy freestyle and plan on competing in college and beyond. Being an Olympic champion is clearly the ultimate accomplishment in wrestling, and I will train with that goal in mind.
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