Abri Shines On And Off Mat For BU

He floats like a butterfly. He stings like a bee. He’s Boston University senior wrestler Ali Abri.

Having a name associated with arguably the greatest boxer ever to step in the ring, Abri can easily make a case as one of the greatest wrestlers to step in the squared circle at the Case Gymnasium.

As a freshman, Abri tallied 18 wins during his rookie campaign — the best total among returning Terriers for the following season. After earning a spot on the 1999 All-Rookie Team, Abri settled into the 174-pound position as a starter during his sophomore year.

Two years later, Abri has not relinquished his hold at the top.

The senior standout has already surpassed his victory total from four years ago with 19, easily distancing himself from the next closest BU wrestlers, co-captains Jason Holder (12) and Jose Leon (10). Abri also boasts a combined 8-0 mark in dual matches and the Colonial Athletic Association.

Not bad for a country boy.

The Ashland, Va., native grew up dominating the opposition during his high school days. After losing the state championship match during his junior campaign at 161 pounds, it took one more year — and 10 extra pounds — to capture that elusive title in his senior year at 171.

Abri’s high school wrestling resume attracted many first-tier colleges, including Cornell University and Brown University, but BU presented an opportunity that most of these schools couldn’t match.

“I wanted a different perspective on life from growing up with cows and rednecks,” Abri said. “I was an outcast at home, a different guy who had a more worldly view than my country companions. I wanted a more fast-paced environment. With BU, it seemed good, it was diverse and the city was a place that looked open-minded.”

And while Abri’s desire to live in the fast lane started with his first foot onto the BU campus, he discovered the challenges of such a wish immediately after stepping into the squared circle.

“It’s a lot more aggressive, it’s fast paced, it’s a totally different level,” he said. “In high school, it was like wrestling children. In college, it’s like going from intro physics to astrophysics.”

Nevertheless, Abri made the necessary adjustments early on — both on and off the mat.

“I didn’t see my father much [in high school] because I was always wrestling. My parents divorced when I was young, so coaches have always nurtured me and provided an outlet,” Abri said. “When I met [BU head coach Carl Adams], I saw him as a prospective father.”

And like any proud papa, Adams is well aware of what Abri has brought to the team during his college career.

“He brings a lot to this sport, but he’s also an individual that people like to hang around with,” Adams said. “He’s come a long way technically and matured a lot. When he first came here, he had some growing up to do. But Ali has grown up quite a bit, and BU has been a tremendous learning experience for him not only in wrestling, but in life as well.”

Out of the countless experiences in Boston, Abri said the ability to mature quickly on the team, as well as in life, and to work together with his teammates for a common goal — winning — are the most important skills he will be able to take out of wrestling and to apply to the challenges of the real world.

“It’s a tough sport; it’s like a Navy SEAL team,” he said. “Each individual must hold his own prospective for the whole team, which is to win. When you grow up here, there are many different distractions and you have to determine your priorities because it’s easy to be led astray. The coaches are there as a tool, but this sport is mainly about self-motivation. You sweat and you bleed, you bitch and you moan, but we all know what we have to do to succeed.”

Before Abri leaves, his teammates will still have the opportunity to work with and watch the gifted qualities that have led to the success he continues to earn.

“He’s amazing on his feet, and he’s so quick and strong,” said 141-pound junior grappler Mark Laramee. “I always ask myself, ‘How the heck did he take that guy down like that?’ He’s intense at all times, and he’s arguably the most explosive wrestler I’ve seen at BU.”

“Ali is a hard-working athlete who really likes to wrestle and wants to do well in it,” Adams said. “He works hard, he loves the sport and he wants to do well. That’s what many people should think of when they look at Ali Abri.”

Abri will continue to throw in the extra time at the gym and on the mat as his senior campaign winds down and he continues to work toward one of his ultimate wrestling goals: entering and winning the nationals. However, Abri also knows he must not only continue using the same self-motivation that has allowed him to garner so much success during the past eight years, but he must also keep his focus in the squared circle.

“You have to relax and have fun in what you’re doing,” he said. “There are plenty of pressures from the world outside you and those you put on yourself, but if you relax and block everything out, you’ll be able to succeed.”