Grand Avenue Middle School wrestler Eric Brach, 13, recently completed an unprecedented two-year career without suffering a loss.
Brach, who wrestled in the 80-pound weight class for two years on A Mat, compiled a 10-0 record last season before another perfect year as an eighth grader. His mother Ellen said that his accomplishments were impressive to watch.
"He was the only kid on the team that did that too," she said. "It was very exciting."
While watching her son's success was exciting, she also admitted that life as a wrestling mom is tense as well.
"It's very nerve wracking," Brach said. "It's not a mom-friendly sport. It's very difficult to watch, but it's fun as well."
Brach said that her son is popular with coaches because of his excellent work ethic. She said that his involvement with the Bellmore-Merrick Tornadoes club team, which he was a part of from second through eighth grade, contributed in his becoming the athlete he is today.
"After he'd leave practice at school, he'd go to the youth practice at night," Brach said.
Grand Avenue will welcome another Brach in the fall. Eric's younger brother Gregory, 11, a four-time youth wrestling champion in his own right, will hit the mat.
In the fall, Eric Brach will attend John F. Kennedy High School. He plans on wrestling, but he needs to put on weight. Currently at 83 pounds, the lowest weight class is 99.
"He wants to wrestle varsity," Brach said. "That's his goal."
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