Jan. 4, 2007: The Salt Lake Tribune

Brown Bigger — and Better
by John Renshaw

"I decided on Cyprus because I wanted to stay at home. I knew they were struggling in wrestling, but I welcomed the challenge of building the program back up," Brown said.

At the time you could have made an argument Cyprus wasn't a powerhouse in high school wrestling. In fact, the Pirates became so irrelevant invitations to major tournaments simply passed them by. But optimism was on the rise for the Pirates with the addition of Brown and a new coach in Eddie Berrest, the groundwork appeared to be laid for a path to success.

"I told our kids if we keep improving, and everyone sees that we're becoming a winning program, than they'll want to be part of it," Berrest said.

Good leaders are found in winning programs, and Berrest appointed Brown to fill the role by naming him team captain during his freshman season.

"He's all about wrestling, he puts in the time and effort, Matt knows exactly what he's doing out their on the mat . . . He's become a complete wrestler," Berrest said.

In his sophomore season last year, hard work turned into winning results. Known for a relentless work ethic in practice, meets, and camps, Brown finished first in state in his classification. Because of his outstanding performance in Utah and at national tournaments across the country he received a No. 12 national sophomore ranking by the NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association).

"I'm very excited and honored with the high ranking," Brown said, "I've had to be more prepared this season with some opponents knowing who I am and are looking for me. But that's why wrestling is a great sport, once you're out their on the mat, you can't blame anybody for your performance . . . it's only you against your opponent."

Together, Berrest and Brown have made Cyprus a recognizable name in the 2006-07 season. Entering the week the Pirates were 11-1 in dual meets and holding a No. 4 ranking in the state.

"This is the best overall team we've had since I've been here," Berrest said. "I think we can finish in the top five in state. Wrestle to win, not to lose and how to do that is, don't let up, stay aggressive and outwork the other guy."

At 20-0, Brown is outworking every opponent he's faced. It hasn't been easy, however. Brown gained 16 pounds during the offseason and jumped weight classes, from 119 to 135.

"I was a little apprehensive about it," Brown said. "I thought about taking my weight down before the season, but I received a lot of confidence from my coaches that I could compete in this weight class. And so far, it's been working out."

Said assistant Richard Gonzalez: "Matt is one of the most dedicated wrestlers I've ever seen . . . and I've seen a lot of them. He's twice as good now as when he came in as a freshman. He improves on a weekly basis. He's gotten a lot stronger this year and I don't think anyone in Utah can compete with him."

Brown prides himself on hard work - the first person to practice and the last one to leave. As a team captain, being an example to teammates is vital, but Brown uses action rather than words to get the point across.

"He [Matt] works hard . . . always has," senior Ethan Jones said, "Matt's a good role model for the younger players on the team."

An individual who thrives on challenges, Brown wants to continue wrestling beyond the prep level.

"I try to go to as many tournaments throughout the year as possible to try and get recognized by colleges. I'd like to go to Army - they've got a really good program there. What attracts me to West Point is they're much disciplined. . . . I like that they have a code of ethics and I'd like to accept the challenge. Other schools I'm interested in are Penn State and Boise State. I think I'd fit in well with either of those schools as well," Brown said.

Putting future goals aside for now, Brown and fellow Pirate teammates aim to capture an elusive goal. A goal that certainly seemed almost impossible three years ago.

"Our first priority is to win Region, it'll be a tough tourney with teams like Highland, but I fully believe we have the talent to compete for the [Region] title," Brown said.

* Magna wrestler Matt Brown chose Cyprus as a freshman, and the team entered the week ranked No. 4 in the state.
* A defending champion at 119 pounds, Brown moved up to 135 pounds this season but remains undefeated, at 20-0 so far this season