The Full-Court Press: Adam Hogue '13

Sophomore wrestler Adam Hogue—known by friends and teammates alike as The Hoguey Bear—was welcomed to Harvard last fall by being assigned J.P. O’Connor ’10, 2010 NCAA national champion, as his practice partner. After spending hours on the mat with the aspiring-Olympian, Hogue tries to explain what makes the champ unstoppable. But that’s not all. In this exclusive interview, Hogue explains why he would make a good women’s volleyball player and why it’s not a good idea to eat too much before a wrestling match. Every week, The Full-Court Press will give you the sort of personal scoop that you’re not likely to hear at a typical press conference.

Name: Adam Hogue

Year: 2013

Stats: Despite battling an ankle injury as a freshman last season, Hogue managed to finish fifth on the team in total wins, compiling a 7-6 record. At Blair Academy, the 165-pounder captured the 2009 Prep National Championship and was a three-time National Prep All-American.

Time for the inquisition!

1. Typical pre-game meal.

After weigh-ins, I usually eat a cold bagel with cream cheese, a banana, and oatmeal with honey. I drink two Gatorades and a water. The whole filet mignon pregame meal isn't exactly readily available in a gym at 7am.

2. Songs you listen to before games to get pumped up.

1. “I am Mine” by Pearl Jam

2. “Up, Up, and Away” by Kid Cudi

3. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

4. “Party in the USA”.....don't judge

3. Favorite team to play against and why.

I would have to say Lehigh or Cornell. I have friends on both teams and both sets of fans are extremely intense. Also, both schools are within driving distance of my house, so I get to see my little brother and sister when we compete in Bethlehem or Ithaca.

4. Most ridiculous thing that has taken place in your team's locker room.

I plead the Fifth.

5. Most embarrassing moment you've had on the mat.

Probably my senior year of high school, when I threw up a little bit in the middle of my first match of the day. I must have eaten a little too much after weigh-ins, and with about five seconds left in the first period it happened. My opponent gave a less than friendly, "Bro, did you just throw up on me?" That was a less than stellar match for me. I do not recommend having to get [vomit] cleaned off of you while wearing a singlet in the middle of a crowded gym.

6. Animal that best represents your style of play and why.

It's funny, but my teammates call me The Hoguey Bear, and I would have to say a koala bear. Koalas are cute and cuddly until you attack them, then they are very aggressive and relentless. I would like to think that is how I am perceived off the mat and on the mat.

7. The most ridiculous thing you've heard a fan yell at a game you were playing in.

My sophomore year in high school, my opponent's dad ran out of the stands and started yelling, "I'll killya! I'll killya!" as we went out of bounds near him. The match was in my home state of Ohio, and let me tell you, he was probably serious. They are crazy out there.

8. If you could play for another sports team at Harvard, which would it be and why?

Probably women's volleyball. I'm an avid supporter, and I think the spandex uniform would make it a smooth transition. But seriously, baseball, I used to love playing in high school.

9. Position you'd play in Quidditch.

I think I would probably be the goalie. I'm pretty agile, but in dead sprints, I look like I have a refrigerator on my back. The less pure sprints, the better I am. Also, I have a pretty hard head. I think I could take a few shots off my dome and be okay.

10. If you could go on a date with any professional athlete, who would it be?

Being from Cleveland, I would have to take LeBron James to a dark alley somewhere. I need some closure, it's so hard to say goodbye.

11. Key to defeating JP O’Connor (so I can get my revenge).

Off to discover the mythical key to defeating JP. I haven't found it yet. I swear he has opposable thumbs on his feet or something. He's unreal.