PROCTORVILLE — Wrestling and football go hand-in-hand. Or in C.J. Graham’s case, tough on tough.
The Fairland Dragons’ senior plays both sports and despite their obvious differences, Graham sees some similarities.
“The similarities are just being tough, working hard and you always want to win no matter what sport it is,” said Graham. “I think wrestling definitely helps football.”
However, there is one difference.
“Football, you can take a break every now and and then, but with wrestling for the whole six minutes you’re battling. It’s just toughness and endurance,” Graham said.
Playing wide receiver on offense and catching passes wasn’t difficult for Graham, but there were skeptics about his abilities to play defensive back. Graham silenced those critics with continued stellar play and he said wrestling played a role in his ability to make plays on defense.
“So, whenever people try to shoot on you and they have your leg up, that balance there also helps when they are trying to tackle you and take you down. You’ve got to be able to stay up on your feet,” said Graham.
“I always say wrestling helps football,” said Graham. “Tackle-wise, everybody says C.J.’s small. He ain’t going to be able to tackle. But I think I tackled them pretty good.”
Having completed a strong football season, Graham has turned his full attention to wrestling as he looks to go one step further this year after finishing as the Division 3 126-pound state runner-up last year.
Graham lost to sophomore Nathan Artisano of Legacy Christian in a technical fall in the finals last year and the two may be on a collision course once again.
Wrestling in the state tournament isn’t new for Graham. He has reached the main event in each of his three high school seasons. However, he said making the finals had a whole different atmosphere.
“I talked to my dad about it and I think I was just kind of shell-shocked by the moment. I’m just ready to get back out there and win it this year,” said Graham.
“I made it every year of my high school career. Each year I’ve stepped up the ladder. My freshman year I lost in the blood rounds. Then I placed sixth and got used to that, and I got second so now I’m used to that big spotlight being the last one wrestling. Now, I’ve got to win it.”
Graham has talked with several coaches about wrestling in college and he already has one full scholarship offer on the table.
“I’m still going on visits. I’ve only gone on two or three. There are a lot of schools showing interest,” said Graham.
One question always seems to come up when it comes to football and wrestling. Which sport do you like better?
“I never could decide which one I liked better, but I’m definitely better at wrestling. So, I kind of got to say (wrestling),” said Graham with a grin.
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