Tyrel Todd, a three-time All-American for Michigan, is pursuing his Olympic dream in freestyle wrestling. Photo courtesy of the Univ. of Michigan.

To say that Tyrel Todd comes from a wrestling background is a bit of an understatement. Wrestling has been a tradition in many generations of Todd's family going back to his great-grandfather. 

Wrestling has been a passion of Todd's since he began wrestling at the age of five. It remains a passion as he pursues goals on the Olympic level.
 
"Wrestling is what I do, it's what I love. It's not like work to me," said Todd. 

Todd's father, who was an accomplished wrestler for Montana State, has had a tremendous influence on his career. It is from his father that he learned a phrase that helps mould his wrestling career: "Confidence comes from preparation."  His father also told him that "success is defined not by winning, but by maximum effort." 

He was homeschooled until fourth grade, and learned how to wrestle at the Gallatin Valley Wrestling Club, established by his father. Younger brothers Tay and Tel were not only among his best friends, but also influential training partners and supporters while they were growing up. Tay currently wrestles for Northern Montana and Tel for Minnesota State-Mankato. 

Tyrel Todd was a three time Montana state champion (2002, 2003, 2004) and a state runner up (2001) as a high school freshman. He had a 136-6 career record and was undefeated sophomore and junior seasons. As a senior, Todd won the 2004 Senior Nationals at 171 pounds. 

Montana does not have Div. I wrestling, and Todd had many opportunities around the nation. He was encouraged to attend the University of Michigan by his high school head coach Tony Beardsley, who helped convince him to wrestle in the Big 10 Conference and attend a school with a strong academic background. 

His college career was exceptional. Todd was a three time NCAA All-American and the 2009 Big Ten champion. He also received the U-M Athletic Academic Achievement award. His proudest moment in college wrestling was a victory over Mike Pucillo of Ohio State, when Pucillo had a 35-0 record at the time. 

It may be in freestyle wrestling that Tyrel Todd makes his biggest impact. Todd has already placed at the U.S. Freestyle Nationals two times, and finished fifth at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

"Freestyle is my game; I'm excited to get out there and mix it up," said Todd.

After his junior year in college, Todd beat Jake Herbert in the first round of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials at 84 kg/185 lbs. weight class. Since then, Herbert has become the No. 1 athlete on Team USA at the weight class and won a 2009 World silver medal. Herbert has defeated Todd at the collegiate level, but not in freestyle, which gives Todd additional confidence.

Last year was a challenging season for Todd, who battled an ACL injury during his senior year at Michigan. Todd bumped up to 197 pounds, and after placing fourth at the NCAA Championships, he missed the freestyle season in recovery.

"Everything happens for a reason," said Todd. 

Tyrel remained motivated after listening to stories about Dan Gable and other wrestlers who were successful while injured. Gable always said that every injury he's had has made him better. Todd knew that once he defeated this challenge, he would be able to train even harder.

"I've never been as hungry to compete than after recovering from my injury right now," said Todd.

Tyrel now looks at positives of the situation. His knee injury allowed him to concentrate on strengthening upper level attacks. Now that he is healthy again, and dropping back to 185 pounds, he will have a wider skill set.

One of his mentors and top training partners has been 2008 Olympian and 2006 World Team member Andy Hrovat, who was on the coaching staff at Michigan and remains a valuable asset to him. 

"He's why I had such good success early on in my college career," said Todd. 

Other influential people that shaped Todd are Joe McFarland, the head coach of University of Michigan and Mark Churella, a former three-time NCAA champion who also helped coach the Michigan team.

A history and psychology major in college, Todd has a passion for teaching and education. Learning motivates Todd in every aspect of his life, whether it's intellectually, physically, or mentally. 

"I love being around people who want to learn," said Todd, who would like to become and educator and coach.

Todd is honing his wrestling skills at the Freestyle National Team's January training camp in Colorado Springs, and has impressed the coaches. 

"Integrity, positive attitude, character, and a strong work ethic makes Tyrel our ideal candidate, in addition to his talent," said U.S. National Freestyle Assistant Coach Brandon Slay, "It is rare to find an individual who portrays all these qualities with so much passion and positive influence."

Slay has been impressed with his workout habits and commitment to serious training.

"He's always asking for extra work and areas to improve on," said Slay. "There'll be times when I have to kick him out of lifting; otherwise he wouldn't have time for lunch." 

Slay, who serves as the U.S. Olympic Training Center resident coach, would be excited if Todd decided to become a full-time resident athlete. He believes that Todd has what it takes to be at the top, both physically and mentally.

Todd has also set some high goals for himself, including the season ahead. Todd's goal for this season is to become a World champion in Moscow this summer. His long term goal is to become an Olympic champion.

"I'm training for the World Championship this year; I'm not training for second. I'm excited about the future," said Todd.

It is his passion for wrestling and his competitive nature that is going to drive him in the quest to be the best.

"The only people who win are the people that think they can," stated Todd.