BRAD VERING  2002-03 Team USA Ranking: No. 1 at 84 kg/185 lbs.  Years on Team USA: 2 (2002-04)  Residence: Colorado Springs, Colo.  Club: New York AC  College: Univ. of Nebraska  High School: Howells, Neb. (Howells HS)  Born: August 21, 1977 in Schuyler, Neb.  Height: 5-9    1. How ecstatic were you when you won the national title?  Vering: I was very happy. It has been a long year filled with many tests. But I feel I am adjusting to Greco a lot better now, and I am hungry to compete.    2. Going into the finals with Matt Lindland, your mentor, what kind of match did you expect?  Vering: I expected a fight. Matt and I have wrestled many times in the wrestling room, and after about four years of him kicking my butt, I finally found some success. But I knew Matt was a "gamer", and he would be much tougher in a real competition.    3. Was it a mix of emotions when you beat the man who had taught you so much about the sport of wrestling, or was the feeling of winning just like any other match?  Vering: I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for Matt. I know he was proud of me, and we have a ton of respect for each other. We're great friends.    4. What are you going to do in preparation for this year's World Team Trials? Who will you bring with you as workout partners?  Vering: I'm doing what I always do - getting stronger, fixing my weaknesses and busting my ass. I am bringing no one. I will train with Justin Ruiz to help him get ready for his matches and then do what I need to get ready to compete.    5. Is it difficult training at the Olympic Training Center with all of your top competition in the same room every day, or does that actually help you?  Vering: It doesn't bother me too much. I am training to distance myself from the other guys and win a World Championship. I respect those guys, but usually I just worry about myself.    6. Who do you expect to win the Challenge Tournament and face you in the best-of-three finals?  Vering: John Fuller, so I can throw him on his head! Actually, I really don't know.    7. You placed fifth last year at the World Championships in your first attempt. Were you happy with that placement?  Vering: No! I am never satisfied with my wrestling. That is what drives me. I want to win. And I will do whatever it takes to do so.    8. This year, you struggled at the Dave Schultz Memorial International, losing to both Sieracki brothers. Everybody has a bad day. Was that your bad day?  Vering: When you don't win, it's never good. But those two guys are tough, and I learned not to dwell on losses.    9. What have you been able to improve on since last year's World Championships?  Vering: I am more of a Greco wrestler now. The rest is a secret.    10. Now that you have had some quality international experience, where do you think you stand on the international scale? Are you one of the best wrestlers in the world?  Vering: I'll let results answer that question.