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Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight: Alec Ukkola – West De Pere wrestling

Ukkola

Ukkola
West De Pere senior Alec Ukkola is a member of the wrestling team. Submitted Photo

By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent


Name: Alec Ukkola

Nicknames: Ukks, Big Al

School: West De Pere

Activity: Wrestling

Parents: Emily Hamilton and Kimmo Ukkola

Alec Ukkola is a senior on the West De Pere wrestling team.

Last season, he competed in the 138-pound weight classification and placed third in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division I Kaukauna Regional.

To start the 2021-22 season, Ukkola moved up a weight division and has picked up falls versus Jonah Leisgang of Ashwaubenon and Wyatt Bunnell of Seymour.

On Dec. 11, he participated in the Battle on the Bay Invitational and defeated Tristan Thiry (Luxemburg-Casco) in a 4-2 decision.

Ukkola said his biggest wins occur Thursday nights in front of family and local fans.

He said he’d want to be Conor McGregor for a day to experience the life of a professional UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fighter.

What’s it like to be a leader on the wrestling team?

“It’s exciting with teammates who are eager to learn and challenge themselves.”

Talk about the awards and conference honors you’ve received.

“I’ve received both first- and second-team Bay Conference awards.”

What’s your most embarrassing wrestling moment?

“In the eighth grade, I tripped over my feet and got scored on because of it.”

What are the most prized possessions in your household? 

“My blankets, my two cats and my Burton snowboard.”

What’s the hardest part about a wrestling match? 

“The mental aspect. Wrestling is a game of who’s willing to do more to accomplish their goals.”

Iced coffee or a hot brew?

“Iced coffee.”

Would you rather drive a Tesla or Lamborghini?

“A Lamborghini – I love supercars.”

What’s one thing teammates or coaches don’t know about you?

“I’m colorblind.”

Winning individual honors or a big team win?

“Winning individually.”

What’s your favorite part of the school day?

“I love my performance training class with Mr. Steuck.”

Talk about a time where a teacher stood out in the classroom.

“Mr. Batten because he expects you to work hard in his class, but he’s always there to help you.”

What are your college aspirations? 

“I’m deciding between The University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Minnesota, UW-Stevens Point and UW-La Crosse.”

Would you rather do Taekwondo or Judo if made available in physical education class?

“Judo because of the big throws they do. It’s similar to what you see in the Olympic style of Greco-Roman wrestling.”

What’s your dream job after graduation?

“I’m undecided on what I want to pursue, but I’m interested in engineering or medicine.”

What’s your favorite type of music? 

“I listen to rap to get ready for my matches and R&B (rhythm and blues) when I’m not working out. My favorite artist is Frank Ocean.”

World Wrestling Entertainment or National Wrestling Alliance for its value?

“World Wrestling Entertainment.”

What three words describe you? 

“Driven, positive, competitive.”

What’s your favorite trip ever taken? 

“My wrestling trip to Prague, Czech Republic, and Nuremberg, Germany.”

Favorites

Supper: Pasta

Subject: Science

Color: Blue

Movie: “Interstellar”

Athlete: Jordan Burroughs

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