TELA O'DONNELL  2002-03 Team USA Ranking: No. 5 at 55 kg/121 lbs.  Years on Team USA: 1 (2003-04)  Residence: Colorado Springs, Colo.  Club: Dave Schultz WC  College: Pacific Univ.  High School: Homer, Ak. (Homer HS)  Born: July 16, 1982  Height: 5-6    1. You had about as good of a U.S. Nationals tournament as any women's wrestler ever has. Were you surprised at all by the end result of winning the title?  O'Donnell: I was proud of myself, so I feel like I performed well. I know I've been learning a lot this past year at the Training Center with Coach Steiner. I don't know if surprised is the word, but I was excited. It was neat to see actual results from what I have been learning.    2. You defeated both the 2001 (Stephanie Murata) and the 2002 (Tina George) World silver medalists in the tournament. How did you prepare for those matches?  O'Donnell: Just being excited to wrestle and working on keeping myself in good position. I was confident and wanted to go out there and enjoy myself. That's what helps me wrestle good.    3. Against George, you beat her using a half nelson late in the match. It took you a while before she actually turned, though. Did you think she might not go over to her back at all?  O'Donnell: I was thinking "I'm not going to get this, but I must." It was good for me because I like to see the extra push in myself.    4. Why did you decide to cut your college career at Pacific short and move to the U.S. Olympic Training Center?  O'Donnell: I really think that this is a good program and it seemed like it just happened. It's definitely a good plan for me.    5. What have you improved on since you have become a resident athlete in Colorado Springs?  O'Donnell: I have a lot of holes in my wrestling. I think my holes might be getting a little smaller. Coach Steiner has been helping me by working on some leg attacks and I am getting more confident with them. I also feel that I am getting better in par terre. I have been using more of a trap-arm and a leg lace.    6. Who has been the most help to you since you became a resident athlete?  O'Donnell: My teammates and Coach Steiner. Everybody is working real hard. It's nice to get in and get beat up by Patricia (Miranda). I like wrestling with Marcie (Van Dusen) and it is good for both of us. Coach Steiner is such a good coach in so many areas. I couldn't have designed a better person for this program here.    7. You placed fifth last year at both the Trials and U.S. Nationals. What are you going to do now to prepare for two days of watching matches before you get to compete?  O'Donnell: I've never been in this situation before. I have to keep thinking that these girls that are wrestling are working real hard. During the tournament, I think I am going to get some matches in on my days off. I am just excited to wrestle.    8. Do you think you will be nervous when you first step onto the mat?  O'Donnell: I am sure I am going to be. I think that's good.    9. Are you preparing for anyone specific to come out Challenge Tournament?  O'Donnell: Not really. The people at the top of my weight class are strong wrestlers. It could be any of them.    10. How did you get into the sport of wrestling?  O'Donnell: In Junior High, I was no good in volleyball and wrestling was the only other sport. I have a physical lifestyle. I just caught on to it. It was a good sport. It didn't involve any sticks or balls.