Refocused, Clearview's VanBrill takes another crack at states

Just like last year, Mike VanBrill practiced with his team for the final time on the Thursday before the state tournament.

VanBrill made sure he packed three pairs of $300 sneakers from his collection to go with his wrestling gear and clothes. Then he jumped in a car with his coach and teammates on the way to Atlantic City.

The Clearview junior did all of this before, but he swears this year is different.

VanBrill lost in the first round of states last year and didn't advance in wrestlebacks. So far this year, he is 33-0 at 132 pounds. Last weekend, he won his first regional championship. The week before he won his first district title.

Next up is the three-day state championships at Boardwalk Hall, which begin Friday night.

"It feels totally different," VanBrill said. "Last year, I went in thinking maybe I could place in states. This year, I'm thinking I can win it."

That mentality has been the biggest difference for VanBrill this year. In the past, he lost focus on what he needed to do and worried about his opponents.

"I knew I had the technique," VanBrill said. "But before the match I was thinking negative thoughts, and I wouldn't think of myself winning out there."

Clearview coach Dave Tomasette noticed the same issue and has seen VanBrill overcome the issue with confidence and a different approach before matches. He's used a breathing technique to relax, and prior to big matches, he gets a good warmup in before relaxing and calming down.

"Sometimes it takes months or years to really figure out how to get your mind at ease and feel great before you go out and wrestle in a big match," Tomasette said. "You really have to understand how to ease your mind when you're in the moment. Your mind is a powerful thing and nerves and pressure can get to you."

After attending wrestling camps last summer and developing both physically and mentally after last season, VanBrill has been a different wrestler this season.

"Mikey really bought into understanding what it takes to be a great wrestler," Tomasette said. "Not a good wrestler, but a great wrestler. A lot of that had to do with his mental focus and where his head was at. He had the ability and the talent and he's taken that to another level."

It's not a surprise VanBrill has succeeded on the mat, as he comes from a wrestling pedigree. His brother, John, finished in fourth place at 145 pounds last season, and he estimates that as many as 10 members of his family have wrestled. He's expecting about 20 family members and friends in attendance this weekend.

The only VanBrill to win a state title is Mike's uncle Greg, who won at 189 pounds in 1987.

"I have to make it two," Mike VanBrill said.