East Student Athlete of the Week: Braeden Grisham

East’s wrestling takes the spotlight on the mats for this week’s athlete of the week. Senior, Braeden Grisham has been recognized by his coach, Paulino Coy, as a great representation of the E.A.S.T values, excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition.

For the past 13 years, Grisham has devoted his life to the sport of wrestling. Whether in season or out of season, Grisham is spending time wrestling, constantly working on his skills and striving for improvement. His passion and work ethic have made him a leader on the team and an inspiration to younger wrestlers.

Head coach Paulino Coy respects Grisham’s commitment to teach younger wrestlers. Whether giving them advice during practice or encouraging them to overcome challenges, Grisham stands out for his dedication.

“He held wrestling events for lower levels,” Coy said. “He also helps Oswego Wrestling Club to encourage younger wrestlers.”

Coy also acknowledges that Grisham always puts time and effort into wrestling, whether working hard at practice or competing with high energy.

“He has wrestled all four years and has attended all practices. He works hard in wrestling in the season and off-season,” Coy said.

Beyond his success on the wrestling mat, Grisham is the definition of what it means to be a student-athlete. His involvement in several clubs and on the cross-country team allows him to remain actively involved in the East community.

“I have been running cross country for four years at East,” Grisham said. “I am also involved in multiple student organizations, such as the National Honor Society, the Student-Athlete Leadership Team, and the Superintendent Student Advisory Committee.”

Whether it’s his family’s support, his teammates’ encouragement, or his ambition to succeed, Grisham never stops pushing himself.

“My family and teammates drive me to stay active, they have always supported me and my teammates motivate me to always set an example,” Grisham said.

His parents, Brandon and Katie Grisham, speak highly of Grisham’s involvement in wrestling and how it shaped him. They credit the sport with teaching him important life lessons like the value of hard work and perseverance in the face of challenges.

“Wrestling has helped teach him some tough lessons in life and develop characteristics that many people have trouble with such as discipline, respect, and humility,” Grisham’s parents said.

Even though Grisham has a full schedule of practices, competitions, cross-country meets, and club responsibilities, he always treats everyone with respect and kindness. His parents respect his ability to effectively handle his time and place a high value on strong connections with coaches and teammates.

“He sets clear well-defined goals and comes up with his own plan of action to achieve those goals. He is always looking out for his teammates, friends, and those needing assistance,” Grisham’s parents said. “He volunteers at the Oswego American Legion, with Special Olympics Illinois and the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). He never gets too high or too low depending on his setbacks or successes.”

A prime example of what it means to be a well-rounded student is Grisham’s commitment to wrestling and his school community. His persistent work ethic, leadership on the mat, and participation in student organizations demonstrate his dedication to success.

As the season goes on, Grisham will close out his high school wrestling career making a lasting impression on the wrestling program. In addition to serving as a role model for his teammates, he continues to live up to the E.A.S.T principles.

Written by Seniors Morgan Luberda and Zach Jacobson . Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.