Recordpub.com - Field's Brandon Lindsey is PTC's brightest shining star

By Tom Nader
Record-Courier sports editor
When Field freshman Brandon Lindsey stepped onto the wrestling mat this winter, he undoubtedly made the biggest impact of any wrestler.
Lindsey was a champion regardless of the match's final point total, regardless of final records and regardless of how many technical moves were performed.
And by season's end, Lindsey became the Portage Trail Conference's best.
Wrestling at 135 pounds for the Falcons, Lindsey became his team's emotional leader as he battled tough throughout the year despite a physical handicap.
"Brandon is just great to have around our team," Field head coach Charles Minick said. "He has a great sense of humor, and really kept our team in stitches because he is so much fun to be around."
A memorable moment took place two weekends ago at the PTC wrestling tournament.
Lindsey was eliminated in round one of the tournament, but by the end of the night, he had three medals draped around his night to call his own.
Inspired by Lindsey's determination and good spirits, Lambert McElrath of Woodridge, Brad Hager of Ravenna and fellow Falcon teammate Josh Bovino each made the decision to give their championship medals to Lindsey.
In a flash, the medals brought a big, bright and glowing smile to the face of Lindsey as he graciously accepted the medals.
McElrath offered his third-place medal, Bovino his second-place medal and Hager presented his championship first-place medal.
"It was definitely a touching moment," Minick said. "Especially when Ravenna's (Brad) Hager gave up his championship medal. That really blew me away. It just shows how much Brandon has affected the entire league this year."
Lindsey's season did not just leave a lasting impression on PTC opponents this year, but in fact, each and every person who attended a Field wrestling match throughout the year.
Including the sectional tournament held at West Branch High School.
"Every time Brandon completes one of his matches, the entire crowd begins a loud applause for him," Minick said. "It goes through the entire gymnasium. I think people just enjoy seeing how much he enjoys to be part of the team, and how much passion he has for the sport. He is truly an inspirational person."
One stranger at the West Branch Sectional Tournament was so inspired that he walked up to Brandon's mother Peggy Lindsey and handed her a $100 bill.
"Please go buy him (Brandon) something special," the stranger told Peggy.
That night, Peggy and Brandon bought the Falcons' team a spaghetti dinner.
Lindsey's teammates enjoyed the dinner provided by their new close friend.
However, no price can be put on the enthusiasm, passion and inspiration Lindsey provided for the entire county through the winter.
And as his freshman winter sports season comes to a close, there is no question that Lindsey will become a four-time champion of heart for the Falcons by the time his career is complete.