Brandon wrestling garners big national ranking

Posted Oct 21, 2009 by Adam Adkins

Updated Oct 21, 2009 at 02:30 PM

Brandon’s wrestling program has long been recognized on a national level, but one publication considers the Eagles program to be among the nation’s elite this season.

The Eagles recently were ranked fifth nationally in the Amateur Wrestling News Prep 40 preseason high school poll.

Brandon’s lineup this season certainly has the potential to be recognized as one of the best in the program’s history. While the Eagles lost key starters Eric Grajales, Kevin Timothy, Zaq Berridge and Ryan Renkey to graduation, they return a bevy of talent, led by recent Iowa State commit and three-time state champ Joe Cozart as well as other returning state champs Rossi Bruno, Clark Glass and Mike Ettore.

Brandon certainly will have a chance to move up the poll this season when the team heads back to the Cheesehead Invitiational in Kaukauna, Wisc on Jan 1-2. Four other teams in the AWN preseason poll will be there as well; No. 2 Apple Valley (Minn.), No. 4 Wyoming Seminary (Pa.), No. 6 Montini Catholic (Ill.) and No. 17 Simley (Minn.).

The Eagles won the Cheesehead Invitiational last year.