Oracle senior wrestler Braden Atwood signed a letter of intent to continue his wrestling career at Purdue University last Wednesday. He is the son of Michael and Lynn Atwood.

Atwood Atwood is a member of Boiler Elite, a club for area wrestlers that is run by two All-Americans, Chris Fleeger and Ben Wissel both assistant coaches for the Boilermakers.

Atwood has wrestled since he was five years old. He started competing when he was seven in ISWA events. He earned 21 ISWA state titles and numerous All-American awards at the national level.

He has devoted his time and to this day, works at being the best he can be, said his father and coach, Michael Atwood. “He was never the best athlete but was always one of the hardest workers. He has worked his way to the Big 10 Conference, an elite conference in the NCAA.”

Braden’s dream has always been to wrestle for Purdue and Head Coach Scott Hinkle.

Braden Atwood, top (Comet file photo) “Braden had the privilege to wrestle under Coach Hinkle when he was ten years old,” said his father. “Braden came home and said that he was going to wrestle for Purdue because of Coach Hinkle. I had to explain to him that Coach Hinkle was an assistant and he may not be there when the time comes for him to go to college. But Braden said, ‘Then I will go wrestle wherever he is.’