Padden sets sights on All-American status
By JOE BONGE / Daily Nebraskan
The scene plays over and over in B.J. Padden’s head.
The 2004 national tournament was his first trip to the national meet. He was the No. 5 seed at 197 pounds and sat 2-1 going into his first consolation match. All-American status was in his sights.
Just over two minutes into the match, Padden attempted to throw Cornell’s Matt Greenberg, but illegally threw Greenberg to the ground injuring him immediately.
Padden was disqualified and sent home with a 2-2 record and a bitter taste in his mouth.
“I was so mad,” Padden said. “I had to look at my style and change some things, but it has made me a lot more solid.”
Padden ended 2004 with a 25-7 record after the disqualification at nationals.
After a slow start this year, Padden is back on the All-American track for the Nebraska wrestling team.
Padden has won his past seven matches and is 27-9 overall, helping NU to a 16-1-1 record.
He currently is ranked No. 12 in the country at 197 pounds.
“He’s had some things not go his way and that’s a little bit like life,” NU Coach Mark Manning said. “It proves he’s got great character and a big heart and that’s what makes him special.”
Like the 2004 season, Padden’s career has been up and down.
As a freshman in 2003, Padden won 11 of his first 12 matches, before injuring his left shoulder and finishing the year 17-16.
“He’s had to overcome some disadvantages,” Manning said. “He’s been through some bad luck, but I’m glad he’s my 197-pounder.”
In his four years at NU (one redshirt), Padden has compiled a 69-40 record wrestling at 184 and 197 pounds.
Manning said Padden’s never- say-die attitude is the reason for his success on the mat.
“He’s got the heart of a champion and that’s what I like about B.J. He doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit.”
Padden said his strong work ethic on the mat comes from growing up in a small town.
He attended Harding High School near Camp Crook, S.D. With an enrollment of 100 students, his graduating class of 28 was smaller than the NU wrestling team’s roster.
“I think it helps me when it comes to wrestling,” Padden said. “It has helped me to stick it out no matter what because this is a tough sport.”
After the devastating finish in 2004, Padden is looking forward to proving what he can do in pressure situations.
Padden said he thinks this is his year to become an All-American.
“My weight class is wide open this year,” Padden said. “I feel like I am going to be an All-American and get a national title.”
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