Jump to content



  • Photo:

    Mark Palmer •

    Photo:

    Bradley Central wrestling documentary now available

    The newest documentary on the oldest and greatest sport is now available.

    "The History of Bradley Central High School Wrestling" DVD -- capturing the story of one of the nation's top prep mat programs -- goes on sale this Thursday, Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. at Bradley High School during the school's dual meet vs. crosstown rival Walker Valley High. In addition, a special program that evening will recognize former Bradley wrestlers, including a tribute to the late Matt Keller, four-time Tennessee high school state champion wrestler at BCHS who went on to compete at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, then earned NCAA All-American honors at University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.

    Wrestling fans unable to attend the Thursday dual meet in Cleveland, Tenn. can go to the Bradley Central Wrestling page on Facebook or send an email to bradleyfolks@aol.com to learn how to order copies of the DVD for $20 each.

    The 57-minute documentary explores the reasons behind the success of the Bradley Central program from its humble beginning in 1973 through the current years. Among the individuals featured in the film: Alan Morris, the first wrestler to step on the mat representing the Bradley Central wrestling program in 1973, now head coach at Walker Valley ... current Bradley High head wrestling coach Ben Smith ... as well as Heath Eslinger, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga head wrestling coach, all who wrestled for the Bradley Bears.

    "The History of Bradley Central High School Wrestling" documentary features dozens of wrestling movie clips including Steve Logsdon's 1984 Tennessee state championship win --Bradley's first individual state champion -- along with photos of all 44 BCHS wrestlers who won individual state titles, numerous team photos and countless action shots as well.

    Since the program's inception, the Bradley Central Bears have grabbed 24 state championship trophies, with 178 BCHS wrestlers having earned medals at the state tournament, including 67 individual championship medals having been won by 44 different Bears.

    Despite that impressive tally of honors, the Bradley Central wrestling program got off to a rugged start back in the early Seventies.

    "We have the first coach, Jerry Frazier, talking about how he knew absolutely nothing about wrestling," said Debbie Moore, co-producer of the documentary. "He talks about how the other coaches in the community came forward and helped him."

    "What I want the public to know about the documentary is just how special a wrestling community we have as a whole," Debbie Moore continued. "We are one of the most successful programs of any kind in the state in any sports program. That doesn't come just by hard work. It doesn't come just by knowing Xs and Os. It comes by the culture and tradition we have developed over the years, and the family atmosphere we have had for so many years."
    Go to articles

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    There are no comments to display.



    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...