WAIMEA — Brandon Slay’s first wrestling clinic on Kaua‘i won’t be his last. The Olympic gold medal wrestler (2000 Sydney Games) sees a vision for the island and its strong potential to catch on to one of the fastest growing
WAIMEA — Brandon Slay’s first wrestling clinic on Kaua‘i won’t be his last.
The Olympic gold medal wrestler (2000 Sydney Games) sees a vision for the island and its strong potential to catch on to one of the fastest growing sports in the nation.
“The kids here have amazing raw talent,” Slay said yesterday after the morning session of his clinic. “They’re naturals in this sport and this island is a hotbed for wrestling.”
Around 40 youths and adults gathered at Waimea High School’s gymnasium for the First Annual Westside Wrestling Clinic, which precedes the Second Annual Westside Wrestling Tournament today.
“Our tournament will be the 10th one for Hawai‘i and then it’s off to the Aloha State Games later this summer,” Westside Wrestling coach Mac Pigott said.
Clubs from O‘ahu and Maui joined Kaua‘i wrestlers, including Leilehua’s Ika Yacapin.
“We learned about the basics and how to improve our technique,” the first-year wrestler said. “If someone tries to do a move on me, I’ll do it better because they’re not here at this clinic learning from Brandon.”
Slay, 30, is a Dallas resident and couldn’t resist talking about the Mavericks’ win over Miami on Thursday in the NBA Finals.
“I’ve got to get used to the time difference to watch those games here, but I go to a lot of the games when I’m home,” Slay said. “I work right by the American Airlines Arena (Mavericks’ home court).”
Pigott booked Slay about a year ago and wants to have him back for years to come.
“We’re trying to make this an annual thing,” Pigott said. “For someone who’s been in wrestling for awhile, this is the first Olympic wrestler I’ve met. He’s a really good guy and he loves Kaua‘i.”
The commercial real estate partner with Stream Realty in downtown Dallas wasn’t only interested in teaching wrestling techniques to the attentive group of Kaua‘i wrestlers.
“I encouraged them to have more integrity,” Slay said. “There’s definitely more to life than wrestling.”
After the Olympics, Slay started an organization called, “Greater Gold,” which prepares youths to reach their full academic and athletic potential while planting positive seeds of Biblical Truth.
He travels across the nation speaking to schools, youth groups, churches, and business organizations.
“I realize I can’t share my faith in every instance, but I yearn to be a light,” Slay said.
For more information on “Greater Gold,” check out Slay’s Web site at www.brandonslay.com.
Slay is also known for his double leg takedown at the Olympics.
“It wasn’t seen much until he perfected it at the world-class level,” Pigott said.
Slay’s busy summer conducting wrestling clinics makes a next stop in Estes Park, Colorado for the Excel Wrestling Clinic from June 16-17.
But before heading back to the Mainland, Slay will take advantage of being in paradise.
“I’m going out to the North Shore for a hike and then I’m going to the Waimea Canyon,” Slay said. “I love this place, it’s my second time here. I love playing in the water and eating mangoes.”
Slay will briefly attend today’s Westside Wrestling Tournament at Waimea High School’s gym, starting at 10 a.m.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
