By KEN HAMWEY, 

Staff Sports Writer

Devon Bramson is looking forward to the Division 1 South Sectional wrestling tournament that gets underway on Feb. 11. For good reason. Make that two good reasons.

Two years ago, when Bramson was a sophomore, the Franklin High wrestler wasn’t sure if he’d ever compete again, and he justifiably was worried about what his daily life might be like. After compiling a .500 record as a freshman and finishing fourth in the sectional, he began his second year, but was forced to stop two bouts into the season. Not feeling well physically, he was diagnosed with an underlying heart issue.

 

“I had to increase both my fluid and salt intake,’’ the Franklin native said. “And, I was instructed to exercise lightly and to modify my workout regimen if I wanted to continue to wrestle.’’

Able to compete as a junior last year, Bramson finished the season with a 27-8 record in the 145-pound class. A second trip to the sectionals, however, wasn’t in the cards. 

“I had moved up from the 126-pound class, but didn’t get the nod for the post-season,’’ he said. “I wasn’t upset. because a good friend was selected, and he deserved it. I was pleased for him.’’

Now as a senior co-captain, the classy Bramson opened the season at 3-2 before spraining his knee. The injury sent him to the sideline for two weeks but at Local Town Pages’ deadline (Jan. 15) he was preparing to return after missing six matches.

Now, he’s more motivated than ever to get to the sectional and excel.

“Absolutely,’’ he said about his desire to excel in the sectional. “I’m super motivated. I was disappointed to miss two weeks, but I’m glad there wasn’t any major damage. I sprained a ligament in my right knee, and it was painful to walk. The injury, however, has taught me to be resilient.’’

“My individual goals at the start of the season were to go the sectional, finish first, then advance to the state tourney,’’ he emphasized. “I also want to win at the sectional for another reason — my name would go on the plaque outside the wrestling room. All of the school’s post-season winners have their names on the plaque. My team goal is for us to be successful. We began the year as a young team, but we can finish strong in the tourneys.’’

Franklin’s team record at Local Town Pages deadline was 7-6.

The 17-year-old Bramson firmly believes all his goals can be achieved. “Our team can do well because we’ve got talent, ability, depth and experience,’’ he said. “And we’ve got superb coaching.’’

Panthers’ head coach Carmen Colace was impressed with his co-captain in his five bouts.

“Devon is strong, mentally and physically tough, and he’s got a high wrestling IQ,’’ Colace offered. “His work ethic is outstanding, and he’s a good student and a fine role model who leads by example. It’s difficult to see him deal with another tough break.’’

“When the season began, I wanted to make sure I got to know all of our wrestlers and their strengths, and I was willing to offer any help if needed,’’ Bramson said.

Three teammates he admires for their contributions are senior co-captain Alex Foley, junior Riley Carlucci and senior Matthew Fitzgerald.

“Alex is a quality leader who’s confident, mentally and physically tough and successful,’’ Bramson said. “Riley is aggressive and technically sound, and Matthew is motivated and resilient.’’

Bramson also admires his coach, who’s been a mentor for countless Franklin matmen. “Coach Colace is a dynamic motivator who’s a brilliant strategist,’’ he noted. “He also teaches the sport effectively.’’

Bramson’s style combines being defensive and technically sound. “I wait for an opponent to make his move,’’ Bramson said. “If there’s a mistake or a mistep, I’ll capitalize on it. My favorite move is a leg rider, which controls the position of an opponent. It involves wrapping my legs around an opponent’s body and aiming for back points or a pin.’’  

The 5-foot-11, 145-pound Bramson calls his first victory in the sectional during his freshman season his best match. 

“I was unseeded and was facing the No. 2 seed,’’ he recalled. “He was stronger, and the match was grueling, but I was able to pin him in the second period. It felt great, and it gave me confidence, because I won my next two matches against the No. 3 and the No. 4 seeds. The three victories enabled me to finish fourth and to advance to the state tourney where I had a 1-2 record before I was eliminated.’’

Bramson says he was honored to be selected a captain, but his top thrill in wrestling was “getting back to what I love.’’

“Wrestling is my passion, and to return as a junior was a thrill,’’ he noted. “Unable to compete as a sophomore was sad, but I was glad to be part of the team again. I had some shaky moments physically in my rehab time. I didn’t know how intensely I could compete or if I was going to be able to wrestle again. Going 27-8 felt great. I had lots of pins and not too many close matches. It was pleasing to overcome physical adversity.’’

Relying on a competitive philosophy that focuses on reaching one’s potential and “enjoying the journey,’’ Bramson says that if those situations occur, then winning will follow. He’s also has learned some valuable life lessons from wrestling. “I’ve learned to be persevering and resilient when facing adversity, to accept losing but learn from it, and to be a quality leader,’’ he offered.

Bramson, who started wrestling at age 10, also competes at the club level, where he’s sharpened his skills and traveled to tourneys in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. A capable student, he’ll likely enroll at a maritime college and focus on navigation and maritime operations.

“A deep run in the post-season and maybe a berth in the all-state tourney would be the best way to end my wrestling career,’’ he said. 

That kind of success would be welcomed, not only because Bramson has overcome two physical challenges, but also because he’d like to be a good example for his younger brother.

“My brother Jacob is already a state champ at the middle school level,’’ Bramson said. “He’s a seventh grader who wrestles at 104 pounds. I’m eager to see him compete hard and be a success.’’

Devon Bramson has always been about encouraging others. He’s a natural leader who excels on and off the mat. And, even though a health concern threatened to derail his future two years ago, he stepped up and became a terrific role model. No matter how his wrestling career ends, Devon Bramson will be a champion.