Wrestling brings opportunity of a lifetime for braxton hammond
When Braxton Hammond won the Nebraska Class D state wrestling championship in the 106 weight class last February, his sophomore season did not end. Instead, he was nominated by Southern Valley wrestling coach Dexter Becker to take part in the Maine/Nebraska Exchange. “My coach told me it would be a once in a lifetime experience and it really was true,” says Hammond of the trip.
The Maine/Nebraska Exchange has been taking place since 1985 with the states alternating hosting years. Wrestling brings the groups together but the goal is to create friendships and see a different part of life. With Maine on the Atlantic Ocean and Nebraska on the plains, there are many differences. Wrestlers stay with host families during their trip and take part in many activities from the area. “We did a lot in ten days,” says Braxton. He says they also did a lot of driving.
While in Maine, Braxton got to go white water rafting, swam in the ocean, hiked a mountain and went out on a lobster boat. While lobster fishing, he got to hold the lobsters and measure them. They threw back any that were not the right size and those with notches. He learned the ones with notches have eggs.
One his more memorable experiences was when they all stayed in a 2-room cabin with many in tents. It rained the second night and everything got wet. “It was bad, but it was the most fun too.” He also enjoyed exchanging t-shirts with the wrestlers he competed against. They all brought shirts from their state and school. “I didn’t bring enough,” he said, “I wrestled more duals than I had shirts for.” Braxton ended up getting third at the “Rumble in the Ballpark” tournament at Old Orchard Beach.
When talking about the season that brought him to this point Braxton says, “You have to be tough and have a strong mind and be dedicated. I learned from every match.” He is thankful for the entire coaching staff and said they really pushed him the whole season. “I didn’t want to practice sometimes, but I went anyway.” And now he is glad he did. Of winning that State Title he says, “it was crazy, I was ceded 5 th when I went in”. But he kept going one match at a time. His efforts also brought Braxton recognition at the state legislature. Resolution 344 was sponsored by Senator Dave Murman to honor the achievement.
Although unsure and a little apprehensive about taking the trip, Braxton was happy he stepped out of his comfort zone. He met what he believes will be lifelong friends and took part in activities he may not have otherwise. “I didn’t know if I wanted to go at first. I would miss a couple baseball games and wouldn’t know anybody,” Braxton said. He also says he is thankful for all the people who stepped up and donated so he could go on the trip as well as his parents and coaches for all the support he has received.
After a whirlwind year, Hammond is looking forward to the next season. He has been hitting the weight room all summer. Although he doesn’t know what weight class he will be in, he looks to push himself into another run for the title.
