Published: July 16, 2008 10:48 am         

Jordan’s Brindley to compete at junior nationals

Staff reports

The North Jefferson News



On July 16, 10 wrestlers from Alabama will head to Fargo, North Dakota for the largest tournament in the world. The Asics Cadet/Junior National Championships begin on July 19. Mortimer Jordan’s Brandon Brindley will be among those attending.

The tournament attracts 4000 wrestlers from all 50 states. The wrestlers will compete in two age groups, cadet( ages14-15) and junior(ages 16-17). Each weight class will have between 40 and 150 wrestlers competing for the title of All-American. Eight place winners in each weight class will be determined during the eight-day event.

Greco-Roman kicks off on the July 19, and runs through July 22. Freestyle competition runs from July 23-26.

Alabama is sending a record 10 wrestlers this year. In the 30-year history of the tournament, three Alabama wrestlers have made All-American.

“This is the real deal,” says Team Alabama head coach Rod Gaddy. “Every NCAA Champion and U.S. Olympian in the last 20-years has wrestled in this tournament. Just about every university with a wrestling team will have a coach present watching and taking names. There really is no other tournament like this in the world for these two age groups. Besides the Olympics and NCAA Championships, there is not a more grand stage in which to compete.”

“Brandon has worked extremely hard to prepare for this tournament. Training 2 and 3 times per day, 6 days per week for the past 4-weeks should have him ready to go. There have been a few days when we through in a 4-mile uphill run in the 95 degree heat. If he wrestles like I know he is capable, he should have a good shot at placing” Gaddy added.

Brindley has been training since May with Damir Zakhartdinov. Coach Damir was the Olympic representative for Uzbekistan in the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. He placed fourth in the 2000 Olympics at 58kg, losing 3-1 in the Bronze Medal Match. Coach Damir represented Uzbekistan on 8 world teams with his highest finish being second.

Brindley will compete in the Cadet division at 105 lbs.