Broghammer's toughness and competitiveness leads to success with Peacocks

As one of four brothers living on a farm, Carl Broghammer had no choice to be tough and competitive.

It has served him well, transferring that mentality into success on the wrestling mat.

The Upper Iowa sophomore will attempt to reach a second straight national tournament during Sunday's NCAA Division II Super Regional wrestling meet host by St. Cloud State (Minn.). He shined in the postseason a year ago, earning all-America status with a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships.

Older brothers, Paul and Steve, wrestled for West Delaware, where Carl Broghammer was a 2010 Class 2A state champion. Younger brother, Dean, placed third as a junior for the Hawks in this year's 2A state tournament. Their youth contained plenty of rough-housing.

"There was a lot of broken furniture, windows and doors growing up," Carl Broghammer said. "Growing up we always fought and had a lot of competitions."

Of course, not much has changed for those battling Broghammers. Carl Broghammer gave his siblings some good-natured ribbing when he accomplished more, and then was on the receiving end when Dean boasted placing higher than Carl, who was seventh, as a junior. Carl countered with the fact he owns a state title.

"I guess it will give him an edge for next year, too," Carl Broghammer said. "We're real competitive with each other. I guess our success comes from being in a competitive family."

So who is the toughest? The best?

"Of course I'm going to say I'm the toughest," Carl Broghammer said. "My little brother likes to think he's tough, but I can put him in his place pretty easy."

Family aspect stood out to Upper Iowa Coach Heath Grimm while pursuing Carl Broghammer. He possessed certain intangibles that Grimm liked as much as his wins.

"He's from a great family," Grimm said. "One of the things we look for is kids that love the sport of wrestling, that aren't afraid of hard work and have a lot of support."

The instant impact to the Peacocks' program was surprising. Carl Broghammer made the lineup in his first college season, and didn't expect to haul home national tournament hardware.

"I just worked as hard as I could," Carl Broghammer said. "I had no idea I was going to do that well."

Last year, he entered the nationals with one of the highest loss totals in his bracket. Expectations were low so he relaxed and focused on doing his best.

"I was pretty happy to make the national tournament," Carl Broghammer said. "I had no pressure. I just wrestled."

Grimm attributed the early success to hard work, improving each day and preparing for competition. His devotion is married to his passion and competitive nature.

"It's all the time," Grimm said. "It's every practice, every morning run and every time he lifts weights. Everything is competitive.

"Carl wants to win those sprints in the morning runs and he wants to win every go in the practice room. He doesn't take any off."

Carl Broghammer receives satisfaction in out-working his opponents. He doesn't even like when teammates show greater effort.

"I have a lot of pride in my work ethic," said Carl Broghammer, noting that it carries over to the classroom where he earned Academic All-American honors last year. "If I see someone working harder than me, I view it as a challenge."

The dedication resulted in a more balanced wrestler that works well in all three positions. Grimm said Carl Broghammer is effective on top, underneath and on his feet.

"He's a hammer on top, he can't be ridden and he's tough to take down," Grimm said. "That's kind of been his formula for success so far."

Carl Broghammer is ranked fourth with a 19-7 record, overcoming offseason injury and minor surgery to repair a torn meniscus over the holiday break. He is excited for the postseason, and will try to recapture last year's success.

"I can't wait. I've been waiting for this all year," Carl Broghammer said. "My goal is to win a national championship. I just have to take it one match at a time and try to win each match then go on to the next."

Fourth-ranked Upper Iowa has five ranked wrestlers, including second-ranked 125-pounder Kyle Pedretti, top-ranked Trevor Franklin (133), No. 6 Wade Gobin at 174 and heavywight Zach Rosol, who is ranked fifth. The Peacocks were fourth at the 2011 NCAA tournament, tying for third in 2010. Sunday is the first step in attempting to improve those finishes Mar. 9-10 in Pueblo, Colo.

"We've been anxious to get back up there," Grimm said about the Super Regional site. "Most of these guys have been at regional championships. They know what to expect."