Wrestler Takes Mother's Memory to the Mat

Life took a tragic turn for Cranford High School senior 285-pounder Joe Brady in December. His mother, Susan, died of a heart attack at the age of 42.

Brady's quest since her death is to honor her with a memorable wrestling season. So far he stands 18-1.

The days after his mother's death were difficult for Joe and his brother James, his backup on the Cranford team.

"It was sudden,'' said Brady, who is 11 months older than James. "I spent time with my aunt and my uncles. It was a very hard thing to go through.''

His mother and father divorced when the brothers were young.

"I spoke to my mother a lot,'' said Brady, a lineman for the Cougar's football team, who also plays rugby in the spring. "She understood our love for sports and how busy we were with them.''

Cranford coach Darren Torsone said the Cougars were supportive in the days that followed Mrs. Brady's death. Early in the season, Brady buzzed his blonde hair, leaving a strip of hair dyed purple, his mother's favorite color.

"It was a lesson,'' said Brady of his mother's passing. "You realize there are bigger things in life. All the pressure I put on myself when I wrestle–I like it. Last year, the year before, I'd really get worked up. Now I just go out and wrestle."

Brady said he thinks of his mother when he's about to go out and wrestle his matches. Her memory motivates him.

"It gets me pumped thinking about her,'' he said.

He hopes that this year's season ends differently than last year when he lost in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association State Tournament in Atlantic City.

Brady had beaten Linden's Austin Frank for the District 11 title, only to be defeated 4-3 in the Region III final by Seton Hall Prep's Conor Sweeney. He was also pinned by Cinnaminson's Mike Dwyer in his only bout at the state tournament at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall.

"That was the first time I was ever there (in Atlantic City), that was a big thing walking out on the mat,'' Brady said. "I'll be totally fine this year. Last year, I wrestled like garbage. It'll be different.''

And this year, he'll take his mother's spirit with him.

"I want to make her proud and do well for her,'' he said.