Neale thrives on the mat

Eastside Catholic grappler Alex Neale turns in a memorable Mat Classic

By Shaun Scott • February 24, 2015 4:46 pm

Eastside Catholic Crusaders senior 285-pound wrestler Alex Neale put together his best performance of the 2014-15 season in the final match of his high school career.

Neale pinned Shorewood’s Erca Erdenebayer in just 12 seconds in the seventh place/eighth place match in the 285-pound division, earning seventh place at the Mat Classic Class 3A state tournament on Feb. 21 at the Tacoma Dome. He finished with an overall record of 3-2 at the tournament.

Neale, who will play football at the University of Nevada (Las Vegas), throughly enjoys the one-on-one aspect of wrestling.

“Wrestling is more difficult than football because of the amount of conditioning that you have to do,” Neale said. “When you mess up, you know its your fault. There is nowhere to hide on the mat.”

Recently, the Issaquah Reporter had an opportunity to ask Neale a few questions about his life outside of sports world.

Issaquah Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Alex Neale: I like “Top Gun.” It’s one of the most patriotic movies I know and I’m a big fan of the USA.

IR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

AN: When people swish stuff in their mouth.

IR: How many text messages do you send per day?

AN: Now that I got a girlfriend, probably too many.

IR: What is your favorite hobby away from sports?

AN: Playing video games.

IR: What is your favorite restaurant in Sammamish?

AN: The Sammamish Cafe.

IR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?