Q&A with 2000 Olympic Bronze Medalist Garrett Lowney    1) You have waited 2 and 1/2 years to wear a Univ. of Minnesota singlet; was it worth the wait?  "Yeah, it's about time. I first took a redshirt year, then an Olympic redshirt year, and now am finally able to step out on to the mat wearing my team singlet. I've been able to practice with the team, but it's not the same until I can contribute. The team is really excited to have me back."    2) How hard was it for you to have to watch dual matches with your team, knowing you couldn't contribute on the mat?  "I had to sit out and watch us compete against Oklahoma State Univ. a couple of weeks ago, which was really tough for me. There were 10,000 fans here in Minneapolis to watch it, and the environment was unbelievable. It was hard, but I practiced with the team everyday, so I always felt that I was a part of the team."    3) The first time you wrestled for the Gophers was at the National Duals (Jan. 20-21), were you nervous?  "No, just really excited. My parents went there to see me, which was really nice. That was the first time they saw me wrestle since Sydney."    4) Are you afraid of how so many people will be gunning for you since you are the Olympic Bronze Medalist; wanting to be the first collegian to defeat you?  "No. I've put my time in and I'm pretty confident in my wrestling right now. If I lose, it will be my own fault. Guys will be trying to beat me anyway; the fact that I have the medal won't matter."    5) Did you start back to school right when you got back from Sydney?  "When I got back, I first finished eight correspondent classes, then started classes towards the end of October. Now classes have started again this semester and I'm taking a full load."     6) How have you been received back in school?  "Great, I've basically been told to bring my medal with me everywhere I go because everyone wants to see it. I was invited to have dinner with Minnesota Governor Jesse 'The Body' Ventura. It was really cool to go to the Governor's Mansion and talk with him for awhile."