Brendan Ard (TDR) High School Wrestler of the Month April 2009

Posted on | May 5, 2009 | 1 Comment

Des Moines, IA- April 23, 2009- Brendan Ard of Watchung Hills High School in Warren, NJ has captured the TakeDown Radio (TDR) High School Wrestler of the Month Award for April 2009. The high school senior is the first two time State Champion in New Jersey, and becomes the eighth recipient of the national TDR award. Brendan is the first award winner from New Jersey.

Brendan won the 171 pound State Title in Atlantic City March 7-8, completing the season with a 37-0 record, while amassing a 139-11 career record. During the entire season, only one opponent scored a single takedown against him.

He began wrestling as a Freshman, where he competed at 171 pounds, despite weighing 155 pounds. Exemplifying undeniable teamwork and exhibiting amazing strength, he accepted the weigh class as both the 152 pound and 160 pound classes were occupied by top performing team mates, including a State Champion. He wrestled mostly heavier and older opponents, winning the District 12 title in 2006. “Brendan’s deep love for wrestling really kicked in during his Sophomore year, pushing other athletic pursuits like football and lacrosse aside”, described Watchung Hills High School Wrestling Coach Danny Smith. Brendan finished third in the state at 160 pounds his Sophomore year.

Throughout his life Brendan has been surrounded by athletic greatness. His father is NFL football legend Billy Ard, an All Century Team Member of the New York Giants, and a Super Bowl XXI starter in the game where the Giants won their first Super Bowl title. His fathers legacy and relationships in football allowed Brendan to work on conditioning with collegiate football standouts and certain NFL draft picks Lydon Murtha (Nebraska) and Joel Bell (Furman). “Brendan’s strength is amazing. He’s in the weight room at least three times a week, and does some very heavy lifting”, offered his father. Billy Ard is alumni of Watchung Hills High School himself, and father and son attended the same same elementary school as well.

The road to Brendan’s victorious record is paved with training at two particular elite institutions. He trained for years with Ernie Monaco at the Edge Wrestling School. He’s also logged unimaginable hours at Test Sports Performance, where his father helps college football players as they prepare for their migration toward the NFL drafts. Both schools are located in Martinsville, NJ.

Solid and dedicated academic preparation secured Brendan a wrestling scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, where he starts next Fall. He finishes high school with a graduating class of over 500 students, where his humility regarding both athletics and academics is symbolic of many successful wrestlers. He will most likely start at the 174 pound weight class at Wisconsin.

Since finishing the season as State Champ, he competed in the National High School Coaches Senior Tournament in Virginia Beach, VA., regularly hits the gym with diverse training regimens, and is learning Brazilian Jujitsu. He also won the New Jersey Courier News Wrestler of the Year Award.

TakeDown Radio, and all of the award sponsors, are very proud to select Brendan as April’s recipient. We know our award is an honor among many for this remarkable young man.

TakeDown Radio would like to thank the sponsors of the High School Wrestler of the Month Award. Without Resilite, W.I.N. Magazine, Brute adidas, Intermat, and Sunflower Wrestling Supply, the award would not be possible. We are all very pleased to place our support in some of the nation’s most promising youth.

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