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The Buzz - Brayton Lee: The Resilient Journey of a Brownsburg, Indiana Wrestling Champion

Issue #018/ Jan. 27, 2024

 In This Issue of the Buzz:

  📆 Upcoming Local Events

⭐ Local Business - Shop Local / Buy Local

🖊️ "Brayton Lee: Journey of a B’burg Wrestling Champion”

 🏀 BEMS & BWMS - Sports Results Jan. 20 - 23, 2024

  ☔ Local Weather

 

Upcoming Local Events

January 2024

  • Teen Certified Babysitter's Course

    • Date: January 27, 2024

    • Location: Brownsburg Public Library, 450 S. Jefferson St., Brownsburg, IN 46112

    • More Information

  • Volunteer Opportunity: Weed Wrangle

    • Date: January 27, 2024

    • Location: B&O Trail - Green St. Trailhead, Brownsburg, IN 46112

    • More Information

  • Bingo Night

  • FAB Heavy Hitters Prerelease

February 2024

  • February 1, 2024: Boys Basketball Game vs Crispus Attucks, 7:30 pm - Schools and Education

  • February 1, 2024: Brownsburg Rotary Club every Thursday at The Locale, noon - Local Events

  • Greater Brownsburg Chamber Ambassadors

    • Date: February 2, 2024

    • Description: A networking event organized by the Greater Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce.

    • More Information

  • February 3, 2024: Times & Dates Subject to Change. Please Check with Organization - Local Events

Shop Local - Visit Our Local Businesses:

Brayton Lee: The Resilient Journey of a Brownsburg, Indiana Wrestling Champion

Background and Current Status

Brayton Lee, a redshirt senior and 157-pound wrestler at Indiana University, has experienced a challenging journey in his college wrestling career. After enduring two seasons marred by injuries, Lee has returned for his final year with a renewed appreciation for the sport. Despite the setbacks, he remains optimistic and focused on enjoying his last moments in college wrestling. Lee's comeback has been notable, especially considering his All-American status and previous high national ranking.

Early Achievements and Transition

Lee, originally from Indiana, had a successful high school career, becoming a three-time state champion at Brownsburg. He began his college career at the University of Minnesota, where he had three impressive seasons, earning All-America honors in 2021. However, injuries disrupted his progress in the last year and a half at Minnesota, leading him to transfer to Indiana University (IU). This move was influenced by his long-standing relationship with IU coach Angel Escobedo and the desire to be closer to family.

Coaching and Training Approach

Coach Escobedo plays a significant role in Lee's development and comeback. Recognizing Lee's potential and past achievements, Escobedo has tailored a unique training program for him. This program includes less physical strain and innovative methods like rigorous biking, which are different from the training of other team members. Escobedo's approach aims to build Lee's strength and endurance while minimizing the risk of injury.

Performance and Aspirations

Despite participating in only a few matches this season, Lee's performance has been dominant, including a notable victory over Michael North from Maryland. His goal is to become a national champion, a dream that he is actively pursuing with determination and a strong belief in his abilities. Lee's mental approach to wrestling involves staying relaxed and focused, which he finds more effective than wrestling with excessive tension.

Team Dynamics and Future Matches

The Indiana University wrestling team, under Escobedo's guidance, is showing signs of becoming a national contender. Lee's presence in the team adds a significant boost, both in terms of performance and leadership. The team faces a challenging schedule with upcoming matches against top-ranked teams. Lee's individual matchups, particularly against high-ranked opponents, are critical for his and the team's success.

Life Beyond College Wrestling

Looking beyond his college career, Lee aims to pursue world and Olympic titles in wrestling. Unlike some college wrestlers, he does not intend to transition into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), expressing respect for the sport but no personal interest in participating.

Brayton Lee's journey in college wrestling exemplifies resilience and dedication. Overcoming injuries and setbacks, he has emerged with a profound appreciation for the sport and a clear vision for his future. His final year at Indiana University offers a chance to achieve his long-held dream of becoming a national champion while contributing significantly to the Hoosier’s success.

2022-23 (Redshirt Senior): Went 4-9 on the season and 4-7 in duals while battling injury throughout the year … suffered a season-ending injury at the Big Ten Championships … earned two dual wins against Lindenwood and Cal Poly … season debut was a 14-5 major decision victory over Binghamton’s Connor Decker … began the season as the No. 2 ranked wrestler at 157 lbs. by Intermat.
 
2021-22 (Redshirt Junior): Went 16-2 in his third season starting for Minnesota … earned seven wins over ranked competitors … went 8-2 in duals while sporting a 6-2 Big Ten record … suffered a season-ending injury in the Ohio State dual (2/11/22) … earned a 2-1 road victory over top-10 opponent Kendall Coleman of Purdue … defeated No. 14 Will Lewan of Michigan in 4-3 decision (1/28/22) … beat No. 12 Kaleb Young in 4-3 decision at Iowa … Won the UNI Open with a 4-0 record … won the Bison Open with a 4-0 record on the day.
 
2020-21 (Redshirt Sophomore): Tallied a 14-6 record in his second year as a starter for Minnesota … was an NCAA qualifier at 157 lbs. and earned All-American status with a sixth place finish … sported a 4-3 record at 2021 NCAA Championships with his losses only being against the three top seeds in the bracket … advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tourney with wins over Connor Brady (Virginia Tech) and Jacori Teemer (Arizona State) … clinched All-American status with a 3-2 decision win over Iowa’s Kaleb Young … placed third at the 2021 Big Ten Championships with a 3-1 record … went 7-2 in dual competition.
 
2019-20 (Redshirt Freshman): Went 25-6 on the season in his first year starting for Minnesota … earned NWCA First Team All-American status at 149 lbs. … qualified for the 2020 NCAA Championships and earned the No. 7 seed prior to its cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic … placed fourth at the Big Ten Championships after going 3-2 on the weekend … Had an 11-4 record in duals with an 8-4 conference mark … earned first career Big Ten dual victory with a 7-4 decision over No. 12 Cole Martin of Wisconsin … earned himself a top-five national ranking in December … named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week for the week of December 10 … won the Cliff Keen Las Vegas title at 149 lbs. with five straight victories … won the Bison Open with a 4-0 record … made collegiate debut and earned his first dual victory on Nov. 1 against Russell Rohlfing of Cal State Bakersfield.  
 
2018-19 (Redshirt): Went 26-7 as a redshirt for the Maroon and Gold … North Country Open Champion … National Collegiate Open Champion … Edinboro Open runner-up … competed at the Midland Championships, going 2-2 … third-place finish at the Daktronics Open.
 
Prep: Three-time Indiana State Champion for Brownsburg High School … coached by Darrick Snyder … 2018 Junior Fargo National Champion … three-time Fargo All-American … three-time All-State and four-time all-conference honoree … son of Brett and Karma Lee … has two siblings.

Watch the IU vs. Purdue Wrestling Match Tonight on NCAA Live

Brownsburg High School

Boys Varsity Basketball Results:

Jan 26, 2024

41 BHS Bulldogs 

46 Zionsville

Brownsburg West Middle School Sports

8th Grade Boys Basketball Results:

Jan 20, 2024

Conference Tournament

Qualifier Round

39 BWMS 

36 Zionsville

Championship

28 BWMS 

35 Westfield

The 8th grade basketball team played in the Conference Tournament on Saturday.  In the morning semi-final it was a back and forth contest with 7 lead changes.  The Dogs survived and moved onto the Championship behind 21 points and 8 rebounds from Jarron Boone.  Canyon Koonce did a great job on Zionsville’s leading scorer throughout the game and finished with 5 points and 5 rebounds.  West won 39-36 to advance to the Championship game.

In the Championship game, the Dogs faced a good Westfield team.  Despite not playing great in the first half, the Dogs found themselves in the lead 20-18 going into halftime.  In the second half, the Dogs struggled to score which allowed Westfield to gain the lead and eventually win the Championship 35-28. 

Jan 22, 2024

Hendricks County Tournament

63 BWMS 

26 Tri-West

The 8th grade basketball team got a decisive win over Tri-West in the opening round of the County Tournament.  Leading from the start and never looking back the Dogs would cruise to a 63-26 victory.  

The team was led in scoring by Brayden Greathouse’s 17 points including 4 triples.  He also pulled down 4 rebounds.  Daniel Thomas brought some great energy on both ends of the court finishing with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.  Canyon Koonce scored 11 for the Dogs, while Parker Moore led the team in rebounds with 6. 

7th Grade Boys Basketball Results:

Jan 22, 2024

29 BWMS 

35 Tri-West

Jan 18, 2024

32 BWMS 

38 Franklin Central

8th Grade Girls Basketball Results:

Jan 22, 2024

30 BWMS 

25 Center Grove

Jan 18, 2024

52 BWMS 

21 Danville

7th Grade Girls Basketball Results:

Jan 22, 2024

9 BWMS 

26 Center Grove

Jan 18, 2024

32 BWMS 

25 Danville

Jan 18, 2024

50 BWMS 

61 Westfield

The BWMS Wrestlers dropped an exciting, close contest at Westfield last night 61-50. It started with reserve wins by Nathanyal Eifert, Grant Lurker, Hunter Masterson, Matthew Cetto, and Logan Davis.  In varsity action winners were Kingsten Pedigo, Blake Kapitan, Eli Nail, Brady Ramirez, Deacon Gibbs, David Akinyele, Blake Morris, and Jonathan Turcios. 

Brownsburg East Middle School Sports

7th Grade Boys Basketball Results:

Jan 23, 2024

Hendricks County Tournament

Semifinals

42 BEMS 

30 Avon North Middle School

7th grade beats Avon North in the semifinals of the Hendricks County Tournament 42-30 on Tuesday night. Logan Roethe led the scoring for the Bulldogs with 17 points while Gaven Allen also added 14 points. Brownsburg is headed to the Hendricks County championship on Thursday night!

8th Grade Girls Basketball Results:

Jan 23, 2024

38 BEMS 

29 Carmel

7th Grade Girls Basketball Results:

Jan 23, 2024

37 BEMS 

30 Carmel

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