July 11, 2011

For Immediate Release

Fort Wayne, IN – Gralan is a Fort Wayne native wrestler and graduate of North Side High School (’03). During his high school campaign he placed 4th, 2nd and 1st and culminated his high school career with an impressive All-American status by placing 7th in the country as a senior. These accomplishments placed him among the top lightweight recruits in the country; accompanied by many more awards this landed him a scholarship at Northern Illinois University. 

During his college career he broke the line up as a true freshman and competed for the Huskies his first season. Four years, wrestling training, and competing alongside a list of All-Americans and national qualifiers, as well having (Olympian) Joe Williams as a coach, is where he gained valuable wrestling experience, and a sound coaching philosophy.

In a span of four years, Gralan has dedicated his time to give back to the community by co-founding the first YMCA wrestling program in Fort Wayne. This wrestling program is designed to teach fundamentals of wrestling to build character and core values in young men and women who participate. Gralan was an assistant coach at Snider High School the 2010-2011 season, where he was a vital part in the program’s success and helped the Panthers claim their first IHSAA Sectional title in five years.  Currently he is employed at Fort Wayne Community Schools Teaching music production at Miami Middle School.

Coach Ester says:  “Gralan is a natural educator and mentor to young people in this community and he will bring a wealth of personal experience to the Indiana Tech wrestling program.  I had the pleasure of coaching Gralan on several occasions when he was a member of our (Snider) wrestling club and had the honor to coach him at the NHSCA Championships when he obtained All-American status.  He not only was a dedicated athlete, but an individual of strong character that we hope will be conveyed in his efforts to mentor the young men in our Warrior wrestling program.”

For more information on Indiana Tech athletics please call the Athletic Office at 260-422-5561 ext. 2262 or visit our website at http://www.indianatech.edu/athletics