Though he was a redshirt this year, wrestler Tim Christianson made the most of his freshman year.

The Albert Lea High School graduate practiced with, but did not compete for, the University of Minnesota varsity team. He competed as an unattached wrestler at 174 pounds in open meets and finished with a 5-6 record.

“Almost everybody does it because it’s such a competitive sport,” Christianson said about red-shirting the first year. “Most of the opens were really tough tournaments.”

Christianson got an early start to his college career by going to campus during the summer to practice with teammates. Once school began, he had plenty of action in the practice room.

“I was more sore in the room than I ever was in the competition match,” he said.

Minnesota wrestling assistant coach Luke Becker said the coaches primarily see the redshirts in the practice room because once matches are under way, they are watching the varsity wrestlers.

“As freshmen, you take your lumps in the room,” Becker said. “I think he’s starting to understand that.”

“He’s really done a good job,” the coach said. “He works extremely hard.”

Christianson placed fourth at the Husky Open after posting a 3-2 record. He recorded 13-11 and 10-4 decisions over St. Cloud State University freshman Austin Rake, who was a two-time high school state champion in Alaska.

He lost a 7-6 decision in the semifinals and an 8-6 decision in the third-place match.

“I learn so much more every time I lose than when I win,” Christianson said. “I look for experience, and I look to improve.”

He said he has improved his strength and technique. He is trying to be quicker on his feet to escape a more diverse set of moves not typically present in high school competition.

Becker said he has the physical makeup to stay with opponents.

“He’s strong,” he said. “He’s pretty physical.”

Christianson is building his mental toughness, too. “It’s like a different type of grit,” he said. “Everybody is there to win. Every open feels like a state competition.”

The wrestlers are very aggressive, looking to shorten matches, so he has had to answer with more of his own attacks.

“If I’m up, keep pushing the tempo and keep scoring,” Christianson said. “Don’t hold out for a single point.”