Local wrestlers enjoying time at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - McCutcheon's Alex Griffin, Delphi's Tanner Lynde, and Delphi's Braden Atwood are enjoying their time at the collegiate level as part of Purdue's wrestling team.

"It's been a blast being here," said Purdue freshman Tanner Lynde. "It's been great having all the local guys here with me. Braden was in high school with me and was my drill partner forever. Alex was a real close friend of mine in high school."

"This first year and semester had been amazing," said Purdue freshman Alex Griffin. "There has been a lot of tough transitions but I have had a lot of support from guys on the team. "

"This year has been pretty fun. I have been wining quite a bit and everything is going good," said Purdue redshirt Sophomore Braden Atwood.

Griffin and Lynde will redshirt this season. They are focused on improving each practice and gearing up to compete next season.

"I just want to break the learning curve," said Griffin. "I want to suck the life out of everything that they give me like the lifting program and the coaches. I just want to excel."

"This is my redshirt season and I am just wanting to get a bunch of matches in open tournaments," said Lynde. "I am trying to improve everyday and then next year take that spot and become and All-American."

Atwood is a redshirt sophomore and is wrestling at a high level. He is 14-1 overall this season and has played a big part in the Boilers success.

"My biggest goal is to get on the national podium and I plan on winning nationals," said Atwood. "I mean that is my entire goal and I want to work till I get to the top."

Purdue head coach Scott Hinkel has enjoyed recruiting these talented local wrestlers.

"They were all in the Boiler Elite Wrestling Club and we got to know them well there," said Hinkel. "They have all brought a lot to the table and they are division one Big Ten wrestlers. A point of emphasis is to grow wrestling in the greater Lafayette area."

These three wrestlers among others on the team, have Hinkel excited for the future of the program.

The Boilers have a 9-2 record this season. Purdue competes in the Midland Championships beginning on December 29. Purdue then begins Big Ten competition on January 4 at Michigan State.