Jones Jr. talks MSU wrestling, his life as collegiate athlete

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Anthony Jones Jr. has been a stable presence in the middle of the MSU wrestling team’s lineup.

The 157-pound junior has fought in several close matches this season, defeating Minnesota’s Joe Grygelko, 3-1, and West Virginia’s Kyle Eason, 6-2.

Jones (8-11) put together a 133-3 record at Highland Park High School as a prep, and placed third in the state as a junior.

Jones dropped nail-biters last weekend against Michigan’s David Johnson and Iowa’s Aaron Janssen, and has been part of closely contested matches in nearly all of his losses this season.

The road gets more difficult, however, as Jones prepares to face ranked opponents from Central Michigan and Indiana before the end of the regular season.

If Jones wrestles the Chippewas’ No. 14 Steve Brown on Friday, it will be a rematch of an early season match that Brown won 6-4.

Earlier this week, The State News caught up with Jones to get to know more about him, both on and off the mat.

The State News What’s your favorite part about being an MSU wrestler?

Anthony Jones Jr. I like working out in the gym because it makes my body feel good. Being constantly in the gym and grinding it out, I like the results of how I look and feel.

SN What do you typically eat before a match?

AJ I have two Boost energy drinks and grapes.

SN Do you listen to any music before the match or have any routines?

AJ I definitely have a routine. For music, I listen to Lil’ Wayne and a couple different genres, and I pray and ask God to look over me and give me strength.

SN What’s your favorite class? What’s your major?

AJ Right now I have an interesting class — ISB 201. It’s a biology lab about how life is made. It’s pretty interesting. My major is human resources.

SN What’s the most difficult part about being an MSU wrestler?

AJ Just keeping up with everything. Time management, getting your mind ready for classes and competing against the top teams in the country.

SN What’s your favorite music genre?

AJ Rap. Anything that has beat or rhythm.

SN What’s your favorite movie?

AJ “Training Day.”

SN Who do you have winning the Super Bowl?

AJ Saints.

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