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Since then, the 145-pound Dolphin has been on a tear, charging his way to a 40-2 record this season, his second consecutive Region 8-AAA individual title, the No. 2 ranking in his class on SCMAT.com and a spot in next month's North-South All-Star event.
The Beaufort Gazette/Island Packet caught up with Heinrich to discuss this consuming quest for state, his love for exercise and whether a WWE stint could be in his future.
Question: You're just coming off another individual region title and most expect you to compete again for the state title. What are your feelings on how things have gone so far this season?
Answer: It's been going really well for me this year. Cutting weight, first of all, has been really simple. I've only had to cut a few pounds, whereas last year, I had to cut at least 12 pounds every other two days. I've only lost two matches this year and I hope to keep it that way.
Q: There's often the discussion of what wrestlers do to make their weight during the season without starving themselves, so what's your secret?
A: I kind of make my own little fruit diet and eat foods that already have water in them, like grapes and apples. I eat light, drink a lot of water and stay hydrated. You never want to starve yourself or anything like that because you won't be prepared for the match.
Q: Is it a major adjustment going into the season as far as regulating your diet or do you normally eat healthy?
A: I'm actually a pretty healthy eater. I really don't like junk food that much. I like my food, but can't eat a whole lot of sugar and stuff.
Q: What's been the key to meeting your expectations in your senior season?
A: I think wrestling with Luke Johnson, our other state qualifier, has really kept me on my feet this season. He's been great competition in practice and he's going to hopefully keep me going as we move toward state.
Q: How much did you learn from last year's experience at state?
A: I'm actually just going to learn from some of the mistakes I made last year. I'm not going to give up; I'm going to keep working as hard as I can since it is my last chance. I really want to take that title.
Q: I know it's been an up-and-down season as a team, with you guys losing 10 starters from last season. Has it been frustrating or do you feel you like the team has made strides?
A: It's been really tough for us. We didn't make the playoffs, so it definitely has impacted us. We lost a lot of wrestlers that I could practice with to make me better. But we do have a young team that's going to be a lot better next year. I wish I could stick around one more year to see it, but I'm also glad to move on to college. I'm hoping to go to Clemson and wrestle with their club team.
Q: What first got you into wrestling?
A: My oldest brother, Frank, wrestled for Battery Creek, but he got injured and quit. I thought, "Man, he could have been really good, so I'll do it for him." In a way, I've gained a lot more motivation since I got started, winning the region and winning medals. It feels good to get first place, so that's kept me going.
Q: Would you say that you're more of a methodical wrestler or are you always going for the pin?
A: Definitely always going for the pin so I can get out of there as quick as I can. Don't want to waste any time out there (laughs). I'm pretty sure that about half of my wins are by pin, so I've been fortunate this year.
Q: Of course, as people often say, you want to take it one match at a time, but how do you like your chances at winning state?
A: My biggest concern right now is one man from the Upper State, Joseph Winkler (from West-Oak High School), and that's all I'm worried about right now. I'm not going to let anybody else get in my way.
Q: You seem pretty focused already, but do you do anything special before a match to get even more focused?
A: Honestly, I don't listen to music or anything like that. I just stay focused on winning state and that's it. That's the only thing that motivates me. Some people wonder why I don't listen to music, but the biggest thing for me is walking off the mat with that state ring. Even in Lower State, that's the only thing I'll be thinking -- winning state.
Q: I often ask wrestlers this question because most associate wrestling with WWE, so have you ever considered taking your skills to the WWE?
A: The only person I could picture doing that is Luke Johnson. He loves WWE and all the slamming and stuff. Who knows, he may take that out and go become a WWE wrestler. He could be a good character.
Q: What would be your nickname for him and what would you want to be called?
A: Umm, I don't know. Maybe the Hurricane. As for me, I don't know. What do you think?
Q: I'm supposed to be the one asking the questions (laughs). But maybe ... the "Heinrich Maneuver?"
A: The Heinrich Maneuver! That's a good one. Now I'm set for my career (laughs).
Q: Outside of wrestling, what do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I like going to the gym, going on a run. Just a bunch of healthy stuff. I like swimming -- when it's warm, of course. My dad got me into a lot of exercising. He's a former Navy SEAL and I'm kind of considering going into the SEALs and then into college, but I'm playing it by ear. I've heard all the hell week stories and considering if I can take all of that work, so we'll see.
Q: Is there anything else that you feel people should know about Matt Henrich?
A: I'm going to win state. I want people to know that, plain and simple. I promise that.
