Brink raising money to join Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team
Coshocton High School sophomore Lucian Brink is raising money to help cover his costs for joining the Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team. File | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Lucian Brink is honored to be joining the Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team for the second time in his career.
“I’m one of the few who have ever gone twice,” said the sophomore wrestler from Coshocton High School. “The first time I went changed my life. I was a seventh grader when I went and got to travel across the country. It was the best experience of my whole life. Going as a sophomore it’s going to be different being one of the older people and having the younger ones look up to you.”
Brink was chosen for the program based on his academic, athletic and civic achievements. This summer he will join 21 other wrestlers who will represent Ohio and will wrestle all-star teams from New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and California.
“I usually apply every year, but I didn’t think I’d get picked after getting to go the first time,” Brink said. “They call the school, contact the teachers you put down as references and check with your coaches. I couldn’t believe it when I found out I got picked again to go. The first time I was just blown away by my experiences. To be invited again was the happiest moment of my life.”
His first experience with the team taught him to be ready to wrestle under any circumstances.
“We flew eight hours to Utah and actually landed before we took off (because of the time change),” Brink said. “We were extremely jet lagged and as soon as we got off the plane the new air pressure hit us, but we went to the hotel for two hours and then went and practiced for two hours. The next morning we wrestled the Utah wrestling team. I remember another time we drove for eight hours in the vehicle and then had to go wrestle.”
He also learned life lessons.
“It taught me about responsibility,” Brink said. “We had our own money to keep track of, belongings to look after and had to make good life decisions.”
Since making the trip the first time, Brink also feels he is a better wrestler.
“I think I’m a good enough of an athlete to represent Coshocton a bit better than I did last time and make a showing for smaller towns,” he said.
Brink completed his wrestling season this year with a second place finish in the 106 pound weight class at the state tournament. He hopes to wrestle in college and has Olympic aspirations.
“The community was really supportive of us (the wrestlers who went to state),” Brink said. “The outcry of support was more than I could imagine. It’s amazing how athletics can bring people together.”
The cost to join the Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team is $5,600, which each wrestler must raise.
“I’m really appreciative of everyone’s support of me and my goals,” Brink said.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to Brink’s trip can make checks payable to Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team and mail them to Ohio All-Star Wrestling, 8138 Kingfisher Lane, Pickerington, OH 43147. You also can donate online at https://www.gofundme.com/5b5yehc. Brink is the son of Shawn and Susan Brink. For more information on Lucian’s trip and making donations, contact Shawn at 330-275-0145.
Category: High School, Sports
