![WSPN’s Annika Martins and Maddie Zajac explore the athletic life of senior Annabelle Zhang through her badminton career. “This [photo] is me and my former partner after we won the 2022 junior nationals mixed doubles category,” Zhang said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_6629-1200x900.jpg)
Athlete of the Week: Brendan Kiernan
Credit: Jackie Stoller
Pictured above is senior Brendan Kiernan. Kiernan holds the title of Sectional Champion and DCL All-Star.
February 9, 2017
Name: Brendan Kiernan
Grade: Senior
Sport: Wrestling
Achievements:
Kiernan holds the title of Sectional Champion and DCL All-Star. He finished 3rd at Division 3 States and the Wayland Holiday Wrestling Tournament, along with placing 7th at the All-States competition. To Kiernan, his many awards aren’t the most important thing wrestling has taught him. “More importantly, wrestling has taught me time management, good exercise habits, self-control and discipline.”
Sports Idol:
Kiernan’s sports idol is Nahshon Garrett, formerly of Cornell University, who was crowned NCAA Division One Champion. “He’s my sports idol because he was able to achieve the highest honor in NCAA wrestling, and still get a degree from a great school, Cornell. His style also includes a lot of scrambling and quick movements, something I aspire to.”
Favorite Memory:
Kiernan’s favorite memory was beating Lincoln-Sudbury for the DCL title last year, when the team delivered three consecutive pins in order to win 34-33.
Quote:
“Do it, or at least try it. Wrestling has a lot to offer, and the lessons it teaches carry over into everyday life. Many of the best wrestlers in the state don’t start until 9th grade, so high school is not too late to start.”
