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Illinois Matmen Blogs: The Burks

Getting to know.... EXTREME CARDINAL!!!

Posted by Duke Burk (NIU) on February 24, 2010
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One of the most exciting figures in our sport (outside of the athletes) was gracious enough to take some time to answer questions for my blog. EC is one of the best fans of wrestling I have ever seen and brings a flair to the wrestling world that is often missing. Some people may look at his antics as outrageous or uncalled for, but I for one enjoy watching him and enjoy having him as part of our community and on the forums. To me, he is great for the sport. One thing I really respect about him is that he tells it how it is, whether people like it or not.

He showed his true pride for wrestling by taking the time to answer my questions. His immediate response was "Sure, whatever I can do to better this sport or influence wrestlers to chase their dreams, I am all for it." I figured many people might enjoy getting a closer look at him and learning more about the man who goes by the name EXTREME CARDINAL.

DB: How did you get involved with wrestling??
EC: One day my oldest came home and asked if he could join the wrestling team at River Trails Middle School.

DB: What is your background in the sport?
EC: I wrestled 2 years in high school at Austin Community Academy, Chicago Il.

DB: What about wrestling makes you such a passionate fan?
EC: The willingness of two athletes standing toe to toe and try to impose their will on one another.

DB: What other interests do you have outside of wrestling?
EC: Boxing. I was a amateur boxer in the (CYO) Chicago Youth Organization where I compiled a record of 37-2 over 2 years.

DB: If you could change ONE thing about the IHSA state series, what would it be??
EC: Adding more injury time per bout, I think it really cost my son at this year’s series.

DB: You always seem so excited during matches - do you do that out of nervousness or just pure excitement?
EC: Pure excitement. However I was for the first time nervous while Demetrios was wrestling for the championship. Maybe it was the match, or maybe it was Max.

DB: Outside of the Hersey boys, what wrestlers do you enjoy watching the most?
EC: So many I'll just list a few... Ornoff, Fontanetta, Sabatello, Cooper, Surber, Luke Smith, Max Schneider, Blaise, Brill, Eddie Gonzalez. I like watching real wrestlers, not guys that run from challenges.

DB: If you could have dinner with 3 people in the wrestling world, who would you pick (living or dead).
EC: Of course Dan Gable my idol, Demetrios Mitchell my son, and whatever college coach that will be bringing Demetrios on board next year...lol

DB: The most influential person in wrestling for the state of Illinois is whom?
EC: Almost impossible to answer but I would have to say the wrestlers across the state. They make me love the sport as much as I do.

DB: What message would you like to send out to the entire wrestling community?
EC: I grew up in the inner city, Chicago's Westside, and my parents worked and never had time to support me in sports. So many times I am misunderstood, but I am a very proud father and just want to support my children the best I can. I never mean any harm or try to disrespect anyone. I love this sport and what it has done for me and my kids.

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IllinoisMatmen.com

Illinois' Premier Wrestling Website

Illinois Matmen Blogs: The Burks

Getting to know.... EXTREME CARDINAL!!!