State tourney aspirations

Interlake wrestler Albert Chen is focused on advancing to the Mat Classic

By Shaun Scott • January 20, 2015 3:34 pm

Interlake Saints 113-pound wrestler Albert Chen relies on his quickness on the wrestling mat.

Chen, who was an alternate in the 106-pound level to the Mat Classic 3A state tournament in February of 2014, is looking to advance to the state tournament at the Tacoma Dome next month for the first time during his high school career. Chen said he doesn’t like to lock up like many wrestlers in heavier weight divisions and instead looks to attack when an opportunity arises.

“The low single leg takedown is my favorite move. If my opponent leaves an opening, I just like to dive in for it,” Chen said.

Pressure situations don’t faze Chen because of his gregarious personality.

“I think I try to enjoy myself more than others do. When everyone is screaming and yelling, I just tend to laugh things off,” Chen said.

The fun-loving Chen keeps the mood at Saints practices sessions lighthearted.

“He’s really laid back and is kind of a jokester,” Interlake head coach David Unwin said. “He wrestles hard and he likes putting on a show on the mat.”

Chen voiced his disappointment with falling short of the state tournament last season. It is something that has stuck with him the past 11 months.

“Last year there was a kid that just barely beat me out. He beat me because I just got tired. That pushed me to work harder this year,” he said.

Recently, the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Chen a few questions about his life away from the wrestling world.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Albert Chen: Not getting to eat as much as I would like to during wrestling season. Not bringing snacks to school is big for me.

BR: What is your favorite movie of all time?

AC: I’m a Marvel fan so either “The Avengers” or “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

AC: I’m a pretty open person. I tell everyone everything. I don’t know if there is something people wouldn’t know about me.

BR: What is your favorite restaurant in Bellevue?

AC: The Palace Korean BBQ near Crossroads. They have an unlimited amount of good food. I like going there after tournaments.

BR: What is your favorite hobby away from wrestling?