Loughlin juggles academics and athletics

MOUNT VERNON - Nicholas Loughlin isn't your ordinary wrestler.

Sure, Loughlin's dedicated and wants to win. He attends practice, training rigorously while in the Cornell wrestling room. He's a leader in the Rams' starting lineup.

But there's so much more, including his focus on becoming a doctor, studying organic chemistry and molecular biology, and preparing to help an orphanage in Kenya.

Loughlin constantly juggles his responsibilities masterfully with a relaxed, free spirit, playing a key role for No. 8 Cornell (14-10, 5-2) which hosts rival No. 3 Coe at the Small Multi-Sport Arena tonight at 7.

Loughlin - the wrestler - enters the dual against the Kohawks (15-3, 6-1 IIAC) with a 22-match win streak and is undefeated against NCAA Division III wrestlers.

“I just go out there and do my best every match and see what happens,” said Loughlin, whose only losses have come against the University of Iowa and Wisconsin. “It's not like I plan to be undefeated. I just go out and do my best and let the rest take care of itself.”

His best is needed to survive the daily demands. balancing challenging academic schedule with the physically exhausting sport. Often practice is sandwiched between study sessions. Time management has been the key to succeeding.

“School's above everything for me,” said Loughlin, noting his most difficult task ever was taking organic chemistry during wrestling season. “I want to end up going to medical school. It's my No. 1 priority. Wrestling comes way after school.”

Cornell Coach Mike Duroe said he likes Loughlin's maturity and vision, being proactive to get things accomplished in both areas.

“To go and excel, you have to put in a lot of effort,” Duroe said. “Nick is a good example of a guy who is doing well in both.”

Loughlin has a pedigree in the medical field. All of his uncles in his mother's family are doctors, graduating from Creighton Medical School. His uncle, Pat Lawler, an anesthesiologist, is a big influence and whose footsteps he'd like to follow.

Work ethic was nurtured by someone a little closer. He praised his dad, John, for that aspect.

Mostly from my father. Straight up,” said Loughlin, whose brothers are pursuing legal careers. “He's the most dedicated man I've ever seen in my life and if I could be half as dedicated as him I'd be a great man.”

Loughlin has something that could be classified as great for April. He plans to spend most of the month near the Nairobi region of Kenya located on the east coast of Africa. He plans to spend his eighth block, working for an orphanage. He said he loves to help others.

“I'll be helping out with anything they need,” said Loughlin, who could do farm work, cooking, or playing and interacting with the children. “It should be a life-changing experience. I'm really excited about it.”

Owen McKinley, a good friend and teammate, said Loughlin possesses an interest in the fine arts, including music and art. McKinley was quick to note Loughlin does squeeze in time for fun.

“Playing computer games,” McKinley said of Loughlin's recreational pastime. “He plays Defense of the Ancients (DotA).”

Teammate Kevin Donahue said that Loughlin “marches to the beat of a different drum” and Duroe calls him unique. His pre-meet speeches are indicative of his approach. After teammates give intense motivational talks, Loughlin steps in with words of encouragement with a big smile, according to Nothern.

“All we could do is our best,” teammate Nick Nothern said quoting Loughlin's message, “and nobody can be mad at us.”

Loughlin (28-2) is no joke and all business when he's at practice or in competition. Books take a break once the headgear is on.

“He's as focused and intense as anybody,” Duroe said. “He's a very intense guy when he gets out there.”

Duroe said Loughlin flips the switch, being a loose, laid-back character immediately before and after each match, but a fierce competitor during.

“It's a feeling that's really hard to explain,” Loughlin said. “When you go in the circle, your head clears up. It's just you and the other guy. It's like you're in a different mind frame all together. I don't even realize what I'm doing sometimes. I just get in there and wrestle.”

He's fearless and is ready to take on all foes.

“He never worries,” Nothern said. “It doesn't matter who he's wrestling. It can be the world champion, he'll give it his all.”

Like many, his goal is to capture a national title in March. And just like every other endeavor, he'll give his all.

“I'll do everything in my power,” Loughlin said. “If my opponent beats me, it's not going to be easy for him. He's going to bleed for it.”