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Get to Know Norwich University Wrestling Commit, Nick Berrena
Name: Nick Berrena
Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania
High School: State College Area High School
Sport: Wrestling
Weight: 133
Commitment: Norwich University Cadets wrestling. Norwich University is a private, senior military college located in Northfield, Vermont. The institution is the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). The institution is home to over 3,400 students and competes at the NCAA Division III level. The Cadets are members of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC).
Why He Chose Norwich: “I chose Norwich University for the opportunities that they offer on and off the mat and because of the culture of discipline and hard work that is on the campus. I really wanted to go to a school where I could pursue ROTC, while also getting a degree. I had also expressed interest in leadership and a school with a military lifestyle. I found Norwich and it is the best fit for me.”
Wrestling Accolades: Berrena is a two-time PIAA regional qualifier, a Pennsylvania Greco Roman Championships – third place finisher, a Pennsylvania Junior National Team Member for Freestyle and Greco Roman, and a USA Wrestling National Championship Qualifier in Greco Roman.
Academic Accolades and Volunteerism: Berrena has been a high honor roll student in every term of his high school career and is also a volunteer with the American Red Cross, Tides, and the Children’s National Medical Center.
When He Started Wrestling and Why Kids Should Wrestle: “I started wrestling in the seventh grade at age 13. Wrestling means so much to me because it has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people, while traveling the country doing what I love. I think kids should wrestle because it builds discipline, a work ethic that stays with you, and molds you into someone of high character.”
Club Wrestling Involvement: “I wrestle for M2 Training Center in Pleasant Gap under Mark McKnight and Brad Pataky. I’ve been wrestling at M2 since I started wrestling in the seventh grade. One of my proudest moments in my wrestling career was spending most of the summer representing Pennsylvania on the biggest stages in USA High School Wrestling. Pennsylvania is the best place in the country for wrestling. To be a part of that is amazing.”
Intended Major and Future Plans: “I plan on majoring in criminal justice at Norwich. It’s a military school and the birthplace of the ROTC, so I do plan on serving in the military as an officer upon graduating. I then plan on pursuing a career in the US Marshall Service.”
What State High Means to Him: “State High is like my second family – the guys in the wrestling room have always been there for me – through everything. I’m so grateful to be able to pursue my goals with an amazing room of teammates and coaches that also love the sport.”
Favorite Wrestling Memory: “Getting to travel and compete in the USA Wrestling Junior National Duals in Tulsa, Oklahoma this summer. The experience of surrounding yourself with the best wrestlers in the country as both teammates and competitors is unmatched. Iron sharpens iron, so getting that experience is a definite highlight in my career.”
His Support System: “My amazing mother, who has helped me become the man I am today; my grandparents for always supporting me; and all my coaches for seeing the potential in me. Sometimes they saw that potential in me before I saw it in myself.”
What Being a College Athlete Means: “Being able to say I am one of the 3 percent of high school wrestlers that continues to wrestle in college is something I am proud of. I started wrestling late by Pennsylvania standards in middle school, so I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and that lie ahead.”
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