Brown is on a Mission

AMES, Iowa ? Iowa State's wrestling program is filled with hard workers. The sport requires great amounts of time and effort. Freshman Matt Brown fits the mold of a Cyclone wrestler. Practice may have just ended but Brown is continuing to drill and exercise. Brown feels the ISU wrestling program's approach is in line with his own thanks to outstanding coaching.

“The mentality of this program is great,” Brown said. “The coaches just want us to do our best. That is a great thing to be a part of when the coaches just want your best effort.”

Brown's drive and dedication aren't just helping him improve as a wrestler. Splitting time between wrestling practices and ROTC activities as a freshman in college might be a challenging task but Brown finds a way to make it work.

“I think they both compliment each other a lot,” Brown said. “Both programs are really good. ISU's ROTC program is one of the top in the country. It feels good to be a part of a group where the people work so hard and are so good at what they do.”

A figure that needs no introduction in the sport of wrestling is giving his closing thoughts to the Cyclone squad after a tough practice. The team is told that there is a right way and a wrong way to do everything. The ISU wrestlers are listening intently. The right way is giving 100 percent effort. Several Cyclones nod their heads. Brown has had the privilege of learning from the only undefeated four-time NCAA champion, Cael Sanderson, who is in his third year as ISU's head coach.

“I'd heard his name before,” Brown said. “My dad showed me the paper one time talking about his undefeated streak. I went up to Heber City (Utah) for ?Cael Sanderson Day' after he won his fourth NCAA title and I got Cael's autograph.”

Most high school wrestlers know of Sanderson. Brown's knowledge of the former Cyclone great, turned Cyclone coach helped in his recruitment to ISU.

“Cyler (Sanderson) was my host on my recruiting visit and that really helped too. I felt comfortable here and I really liked it.”

Brown finished his redshirt year with 22-6 record wrestling unattached at 157 and 165 pounds.

“I didn't know what to think coming into the year,” Brown said. “I didn't know if I'd just get beat up on or what. I feel fortunate that a lot of the stuff I've been working on in the room I was able to use in matches.”

The solid first season of collegiate wrestling is only the beginning of the journey for the West Valley City, Utah native. Brown will be taking a break from school after the completion of his freshman year to take part in a Mormon mission.

“Some members of our faith go on missions when they are about 19 years old,” Brown said. “I decided to do that. I'm filling out the paper work now. I don't know where I'm going, but I'll leave early this summer and hopefully get back during the summer of 2011. Then I'll get ready for the upcoming season.”

Brown has already done plenty to help himself improve in his first year with Cyclone wrestling and he now wants a chance to help in the improvement of others.

“I want to go out there and spread our faith,” Brown said. “It'll help me grow as a person during it. I'll be able to share our beliefs with those who don't know about the church and our belief in God.”

The time away from the mat could possibly slow Brown down. That notion can likely be put to rest upon seeing Brown working out at 5 a.m. in the morning.

“In the mornings I'll have to wake up a little earlier,” Brown said. “But I'll definitely be maintaining my physical fitness. I hope when I return from the mission that I am in the position to compete for the starting spot and get in the lineup. Being able to travel a little with the team this season and be around the starters has been awesome and it is something I really want to pursue.”

The future goal has been set by Brown and the outlook is bright. Cyclone wrestling will need to be all set for his return. Brown will be ready and doing everything the right way, just like the coaches asked.

Players Mentioned

Matt Brown

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Iowa State University Athletics