Former Stanford wrestler leads clinic

Young Sisters wrestlers learned some new moves and strategies during the Christmas break at a SOAR-sponsored wrestling clinic December 28, led by ex-Stanford wrestler Jeff Grant.

Grant, a 1993 graduate of South Albany High School, was the Pac 10 runner-up at 167 pounds in 1998 and has stayed involved as a coach and competitor since graduating from Stanford.

"Position, position, position," said Grant, when asked what the most important thing is for young wrestlers to learn.

"In many programs, coaches emphasize different holds first, but the true foundation is establishing and maintaining perfect position," he said.

Grant and Outlaws head coach Andrew Stanfield were high school teammates, so when Stanfield learned his old friend was visiting Oregon, he arranged the clinic.

"The kids picked up stuff as the day went on and it was good to have Jeff here to reiterate the philosophies I am focusing on in practice," said Stanfield. "At the same time we tried to keep it relaxed and lighthearted."

When asked the best part of the day, 13-year-old Jesse Stevens joked, "Hearing Coach Stanfield whimper when he wrestled Jeff."

Stanfield responded, "Yeah, the kids think I know a lot about wrestling, so for them to see a seasoned competitor manhandle me underlines Jeff's skill."

Grant, who now works as a toy inventor for Skyline Products, brought along some Stanford highlight films to give the kids a look at high caliber wrestling and per- haps give them something to shoot for.

"Anything we can do to help these kids become better wrestlers is worth doing," said Stanfield.