Timeout with … Brandon Gilbertson, senior, Granite Falls wrestling
Published 12:01 am Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Controlled rage. … It sounds like an oxymoron, but that’s how Granite Falls High School wrestler Brandon Gilbertson describes his approach on the mat.
“You’ve got to be relentless, but you also have to be smart at the same time,” Gilbertson said. “You attack with
a controlled rage. You can’t just go out there and take shot after shot because (the opponent will) eventually stop you.”
So far this winter, Gilbertson’s method has worked well. Competing in the 152-pound weight division, the senior is 16-5 and has high hopes as he prepares for upcoming postseason tournaments.
A three-sport athlete, Gilbertson played football in the fall and will play soccer in the spring. In addition, he is a stellar student who has had a 4.0 grade-point average since sixth grade.
Coach’s corner
Thanks to plenty of mat time, Gilbertson believes in himself and is an effective leader. “He’s got senior confidence,” Granite Falls wrestling coach Tony Helgeson said. “He’s really figured out this year how to believe in his ability level. The kids listen to him very well and he sets the example.”
‘It’s all you’
Gilbertson started wrestling in the fourth grade as a member of the Lake Stevens Wrestling Club. The grueling sport challenges him in unique ways, he said: “It’s all you. There’s no team to back you up when you go out on the mat. There’s no way to second-guess yourself.”
Best of both worlds
The 152-pound weight division is especially challenging, Gilbertson said, because it features a wide variety of body types and skills. “You have lots of tall, skinny people and real short but strong people. You have to know a lot,” he said.
Road to state
Gilbertson has never qualified for the state wrestling championships. He yearns to change that this season. “It’s going to be tough,” said Gilbertson, who made it to the regional tournament — one step short of Mat Classic — as a sophomore, “but I’ve put in the time and the conditioning in the wrestling room. I’ll be OK.” He will compete in the Cascade Conference Sub-Regional Qualifier Tournament on Saturday at Sultan High.
Overcoming an injury
Last wrestling season Gilbertson suffered his most severe sports-related injury. He shattered the ball of the humerus bone in his left shoulder during a match against a Meadowdale wrestler at the Lynnwood Classic. It happened when Gilbertson’s foe picked up Gilbertson and Gilbertson reached out his left arm to brace for impact. The injury ended Gilbertson’s season but after wearing a sling for nearly three months he recovered in time to play soccer.
Making the grade
Gilbertson has a 4.0 cumulative GPA and has taken several advanced placement classes. His favorite subjects are history and math. “My parents told me that academics come first,” he said, “and really determine what you do after high school. It’s really key in life because if you have a few bad years it makes college even harder.”
After high school
Interested in studying pre-med and becoming a sports physician, Gilbertson is considering a $17,000-per-year academic scholarship offer from Willamette University (Salem, Ore.). He also applied to Stanford University, the University of Washington and Whitman College and is waiting to hear if he got into any of those schools before he makes a decision.
Worth reading
Gilbertson’s favorite book is “Brisingr” by Christopher Paolini. It’s the final book in a three-book fantasy series called the “Inheritance Cycle” that follows the adventures of a young boy named Eragon and his dragon, Saphira.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
