PURCHASE, N.Y. -- Brian Anderson joined the Iona Prep varsity wrestling team his freshman year, deciding to try something different.
The Yonkers resident explained that he played football, basketball and baseball growing up and was hoping to the do the same at Iona Prep. Instead of trying out for basketball, Anderson chose wrestling and last year, had a break-out season.
Anderson won 34 matches, more than his first two years combined, and finished fourth in the New York Catholic High School State Championships. It was quite a season for Anderson, who had one win in six matches his freshman year and was below .500 in his sophomore year.
The first year was tough because I was fighting for a spot, said Anderson, after his first match at the 36th annual Tony Carlucci Dual-Meet Tournament at Purchase College. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. There is no greater feeling when you are on the mat and they raise your hand because you won.
Anderson returned and won 14 matches his sophomore year, but was not pleased with himself following the season. Anderson felt he didnt work hard enough in preparation for his sophomore year. That would never happen again.
I was wrestling for the next 12 months, Anderson said. I was working out for football five days a week and wrestling days a week.
Not only did Anderson have an excellent 2010-11 season, the Gaels continued their steady progression as a team. Last year was a great feeling because I kept winning, I kept gaining more confidence, Anderson said. But the turnaround we had from sophomore year to junior year, was great. Now we have a good group of freshmen who are in, fighting hard in every match. We can see the potential that they have.
Anderson was in this spot his freshman year and has become one of the teams best wrestlers and a prime example of what hard work can do for an athlete willing to put in the effort..
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