Wrestling: Talented freshman Brayden Thompson learning to wrestle the 'Montini way'

Not lacking in confidence, already talented and self-assured freshman Brayden Thompson is learning the ropes as a Montini wrestler slowly but surely.

With plenty of high hopes on his mind.

“Brayden’s an interesting guy," Montini coach Israel Martinez said. "He’s done it his way for a long time and now that he’s on the Broncos team, he’s got to do it our way, so he’s adjusting well. He’s doing the right things and he’s working hard every day.”

Thompson, a 160-pounder, is coming off a win over a talented familiar foe in DeKalb's Bradley Gillum, who he defeated by 7-3 decision Jan. 15 in DeKalb. He calls Gillum a friend, but was more focused coming into the match on what he himself needed to do to defeat an opponent he had beaten before, rather than worry about what Gillum could do.

Thompson, an IKWF state champion in March of 2018 and Illinois Freestyle state champion in May of 2019, has seen competition such as Gillum around the nation, so preparing for himself this week was nothing out of the ordinary. Thompson is currently ranked fourth at 160 by IWCOA. Gillum was ranked third.

"Coach Izzy helped me a lot with that this week just getting where I’m comfortable, setting things up, make sure I’m good to go," Thompson said.

Already this season Thompson has faced the likes of Class 3A top-ranked Luke Odom of Edwardsville and nationally-ranked competition from Michigan, something that has provided new challenges for the accomplished young wrestler. He likes the "new looks," he's gotten from older foes.

"I’m used to being the big dude and beating up on the little kids but now it’s reversed," Thompson said. "Being a freshman wrestling juniors, seniors, giving me good looks and that’s what I’m here for."

Thompson said he has goals in mind of a future undefeated season, but more immediate goals of winning a Chicago Catholic League wrestling title, a regional title, sectional title and more.

“Anything I can win, nationally try to get Top 10, Top 20, win state obviously," Thompson said.

Martinez, who knows his fair share about what makes a prolific wrestler, sees great potential n the freshman.

“Brayden’s a young freshman with the mind of an older young man out there," Martinez said. "He’s got the experience. He’s just got to wrestle the Montini way and if he can wrestle hard in every position, stay fundamental out there, we’re going to see big things out of him.”