Gomez ends career with third medal

Posted Mar 22, 2010 by Adam Adkins

Updated Mar 22, 2010 at 01:53 PM

Former Brandon High wrestling standout Franklin Gomez ended his collegiate career Saturday with another medal at the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Gomez, a senior at Michigan State, captured third place in the 133-pound weight class during the three-day event in Omaha, Neb. It was the third time in his career he finished in the top three on college wrestling’s grandest stage. Gomez won the 133-pound NCAA title as a junior and also finished third at 133 pounds as a sophomore.

Gomez advanced to the semifinals before falling to Iowa’s Daniel Dennis. He then responded with a victory against Wisconsin’s Tyler Graff to earn a spot in the consolation championship, where he earned an 8-0 major decision win over Oklahoma State’s Jordan Oliver.

After clinching third place with his win over Oliver, Gomez exited the mat to a standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 15,613, according to a story on Michigan State’s athletics website.

“It feels good - the respect the crowd showed,” Gomez said in the story. “I felt like that was a good way to end my career.”

Gomez ended his career as one of the best Spartans wrestlers in program history. He finished as a three-time All-American with a career record of 119-15. He is only the 10th Michigan State wrestler to earn All-America honors three times.

Two other former Brandon High wrestlers – Lehigh’s Davis Craig and Penn’s Cesar Grajales – also wrapped up their collegiate careers at the NCAA Championships. Neither Craig nor Grajales placed at their respective weight.