Jefferson Hills youth wrestler places in national tournament
Hard work, sweat and extra time on the mat. That's what makes Bode Marlow special, according to his head coach.
And the results of that hard work have been plainly evident during the youth wrestling spring tournament season.
The 10-year-old Marlow, a Jefferson Hills resident, has opened a lot of eyes this offseason with his performance in a number of wrestling tournaments.
And he's not done yet.
Most recently, Marlow placed in a national tournament.
The young grappler finished third in the 66-pound weight class in the midget division at Middle Atlantic Wrestling Association Eastern Nationals.
The tournament was held May 7-8 in Salisbury, Md., and Marlow placed higher in his division than any other wrestler from Pennsylvania.
Marlow wrestles for Team Nauman Wrestling Club, an independent club coached by former Pitt All-American Tyler Nauman.
“Placing very high in a national tournament, that's impressive,” Nauman said of Marlow. “I wasn't surprised at that result. I think he was more surprised than I was. He puts in the work. He does what everyone else does, and then some. Not too many kids at that age put in the kind of work he does, and you can see the results.”
Prior to the Eastern Nationals, Marlow won four consecutive tournaments.
He took first at the Charleroi Battle for the Belt, won the MAWA district qualifier at North Allegheny, finished first at the Pennsylvania USA Wrestling qualifier at Franklin Regional, and earned the MAWA Western Regional title in Chambersburg.
Earlier this year, Marlow won championships at the Tuffy McVay classic, Keystone Wrestling League finals, and the Trinity Odd Age and Bentworth Odd Age tournaments.
Including the national competition, Marlow has gone 18-1 this tournament season. His record since Nov. 15 is 94-19.
Next up for the local product is the USA Wrestling Pennsylvania freestyle championships Saturday in Chambersburg.
Marlow will end the month at the National High School Coaches Association national duals in Virginia Beach over the Memorial Day weekend.
“I just want to have fun and win my matches,” Marlow said.
Nauman predicted a bright future for the young athlete.
“The biggest thing about Bode is he puts the time in,” Nauman said. “I know he's young, but he doesn't miss many practices. He comes to extra practices, always working, always trying to get better.
“If he keeps that up and carries that attitude through his career, he will be a really good high school wrestler.”
Brian Knavish is a freelance writer.
