Brookfield wrestlers short on players, but not talent

By Mark w. Miller

The Warriors are working for a return to state.

BROOKFIELD — Although it doesn’t have wrestlers for every weight class, the Brookfield High wrestling team has several hard working athletes who are dedicated with fierce competitive attitudes.

Providing leadership for the squad are seniors Cody Thompson (135 pounds) and Dann Miller (145) while Tyler Thompson (119, not related to Cody) and Jake Underwood (152) are juniors.

“I work with the team’s strengths and try not to change them,” said Brookfield coach Mike Nemkovich who is in his first year, “They are pretty much like family, that take care and look out for each other.”

Tyler Thompson and Dann Miller competed in the Division III state wrestling meet last year. Thompson finished seventh at 103 pounds.

“We have great kids and its fun coaching them,” Nemkovich said. “They listen well and try to do what I ask them to do.”

Cody Thompson, who posted a 22-8 record a year ago, got a late start this season and opened with a win in his first match against Liberty High last week.

“Wrestling is fun,” Cody said. “Practice is hard, but we help and push each other and that is why we continue to improve each week.”

Ed Thompson, a Brookfield assistant coach for 20 years and Cody’s father, said wrestling runs in the family.

Cody and Dann were the first two to start in the Brookfield youth wrestling program 13 years ago when they were 5. Ed Thompson Jr., an older son, wrestled for the Warriors (2001-05) and daughter Cindy started when she was 5. She wrestled until junior high school.

“Cody is very coachable,” Coach Thompson said. “The kids call him ‘The Rubber Man’ because he has moves that he works around to pin opponents.”

Miller (23-4), qualified for state at 145 pounds, but has dropped down to the 140 class this season where he has recorded nine pins and five technical falls.

A four year starter, he began wrestling in kindergarten. He said grew up with that Cody and Tyler. They have been wrestling since youth and hang out with each other on the weekends.

“Cody Thompson and I provide leadership for the team,” said Miller, who has a 3.9 grade point average is secretary of the senior class.

Tyler Thompson (25-7), who has been wrestling 14 years, has 10 pins and four technical falls this season.

“I love the intensity about wrestling, love to get out on the mat and love to get my hand raised at the end of a match,” Thompson said.

He moved up two weight classes this season and said that he always practices with Cody, Dann and Jake.

“Coach Nemkovich is heads up, more of a calm person and he has taught us wrestling fundamentals,” Tyler Thompson said. “I would like to see all of us go to state this year and I would like to place in the top five.”

Thompson plays varsity golf for the Warriors and will try out for baseball team this spring as an outfielder.

miller@vindy.com