A third place finish at the Mat Classic last season hasn’t sat well with Eastside Catholic Crusaders’ wrestler Matt Iwicki for the past 10 months.

Iwicki’s loss in the Class 3A quarterfinals in the 132-pound weight class to Kelso’s Tyler Wicken was a setback he’s looking to rectify during the 2014-15 season.

“It was disappointing because I wanted a rematch with Colton Tracy (Bonney Lake) and he ended up winning it (state title). He beat me in the semi’s my freshman year,” Iwicki said. “The rematch didn’t end up happening because I lose a close match to Tyler Wicken, who is a very good wrestler. Hopefully I can get first this year. That would be great.”

Iwicki said he’s spent the summer fine tuning his skills on the mat in order to reach the pinnacle. He will be wrestling in the 145-pound weight division during the 2014-15 season.

“I have been going to a lot of different wrestling camps and wrestling with different clubs. It is good to get in different mat rooms to just get different practice partners. It helps wrestlers get to the next level,” Iwicki said.

Iwicki comes from a family stepped in wrestling tradition. His father, grandfather and uncle were grapplers during their youth.

“They really liked it and thought I should get started in it, too. We have a great wrestling family. Once I started I have liked it ever since,” he said.

Being one of the elder-statesman in the mat room is something Iwicki embraces wholeheartedly.

“My job is to keep everybody motivated on the mat and try to get as many people out for the team that we can. I like being the person to get everything started and get everything going,” he said.

Recently the Issaquah Reporter had an opportunity to ask Iwicki a few questions about his life away from the wrestling mat.

Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Matt Iwicki: I would say arrogance. I don’t like to see that. I guess people can be proud if they really have something behind it or if they really work hard and are spirited about what they do.

IR: What is your favorite eatery in the Sammamish region?

MI: I like going to The Ram. It has great food and has a good atmosphere.

IR: Who is your pick to win the Super Bowl in February of 2015?

MI: The Seattle Seahawks.

IR: What is something unique about you that nobody know?

MI: I really like to play soccer. I spend a lot of time on it. I think its really fun.

IR: What is the last movie you saw in the theater?

MI: I saw the most recent Hunger Games movie. It was better than I thought it would be.

IR: Where is your dream vacation spot?

MI: Arubu. I have visited there a couple of times already. It’s a really calm and peaceful place. It’s just perfect.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com