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Wrestler is inspiration to his LWC teammates despite accident Click on headline for story plus picture. By Chris Wells, LWC Sports Information Director COLUMBIA, KY - In an instant, 60 percent of Jacob Bradford's body was covered in first- to third-degree burns and the Lindsey Wilson College wrestling team had more to think about than simply starting the first-year program. Bradford, who was a freshman at Lindsey Wilson before withdrawing for the semester, was burned at an off-campus team gathering when gasoline spilled near a bon fire and flowed onto his body. His teammates were able to help put out the flames, but the freshman wrestler still needed to be airlifted to the University of Kentucky Hospital for treatment. "I think it woke our guys up," said Lindsey Wilson head wrestling coach Corey Ruff. "They got reminded that you never know what can happen to you each day." Ruff had developed a special bond with Bradford during the short time they were together on campus before the accident. Bradford was first real surprise for Coach Ruff After arriving at Lindsey Wilson from his native Wisconsin, Ruff said he had a lot of potential wrestlers on his radar, but Bradford was his first real surprise. "I was at his high school to meet the coaching staff, but couldn't take my eyes off this kid (Bradford)," recalled Ruff. "I turned to a parent next to me and asked who this kid was, and the guy responded, 'That's my son, Jacob Bradford' and at that point I knew I had to introduce myself." That day Ruff approached Bradford and let him know how impressed he was at the effort he displayed at the event and told him he could wrestle in college. Bradford was a relatively unknown among college wrestling coaches, but Ruff instantly knew he had found a large piece of the puzzle for his up-start wrestling program at Lindsey Wilson. After his initial meeting with Ruff, Bradford seemed to take his advice on college wrestling to heart and dominated the competition in his senior season. Bradford went from an unknown to state champion at Ryle High School in Union, KY, in just one year and ultimately decided to continue his wrestling career with Ruff at Lindsey Wilson. Bradford was instant inspiration at Lindsey Wilson Once he stepped foot on campus, Bradford became an instant inspiration to his Blue Raider teammates. Ruff remembered a training clinic the team held at a high school when his current roster got their first look at what kind of work ethic Bradford displays. "We were in that gym eight hours a day and a lot of kids would be taking a break every two hours or so," said Ruff. "Then I noticed Bradford. That kid never left the mat the entire time we were there. "We were heading to the gym the second day and I told the team to take a look at what he was doing. I wanted them to know he was representing what it will take for us to succeed." When tragedy struck in late September, Bradford was admitted to the hospital's burn unit for nearly a month. He was released on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and is recovering at home where, although not working out with his teammates every day, remains an inspiration to Blue Raider wrestling. "When we are concerned about little things that go on, we can think about what Jake went through," said Blue Raider freshman wrestler Kurt Wilbert. "We can use his strength as an inspiration for our season." Skin grafts were required on nearly 35 percent of body Skin grafts were required on nearly 35 percent of Bradford's body, adding to the amount of treatment and care he will need over the next few months. Despite deciding to withdraw from school this semester, he will make a full recovery and plans to reenroll in classes in the spring. Ruff said the ultimate recovery will be next season, when he envisions Bradford putting on a Lindsey Wilson singlet and competing for the school. "He's doing so well in recovery, there is no doubt in my mind that he will make a return to the team," said Ruff. Wilbert said he looks forward to the day he sees Bradford back out on the mat practicing every day. "That will be the greatest feeling to see him come back and get back to doing what he loves," said Wilbert. "It will mean everything to the team to see him come back after what he went through." The last month has no doubt been tough on Bradford, but a visit he received last weekend brightened his spirits. Skin grafts were required on nearly 35 percent of body As the team travelled to Ypsilanti, MI, for its second open tournament of the season, they passed through Bradford's hometown where they stopped to pay a much needed visit to their injured teammate. "That stop was all about lifting a brother up," explained Ruff. "It wasn't a sad visit with a lot of tears or anything; our guys just genuinely wanted to see their friend and try to put a smile on his face and brighten his day."Losing Bradford for the season in this way really affected the team," said Ruff. "Taking the time to see him brought some closure and showed Jake we can't wait to get him back."Team is starting fund-raising project for Bradford and family The team is also starting a fund-raising project for Bradford and his family.For a donation, the wrestling team will be raking and picking up leaves at houses in the Columbia area. The Bradford family incurred the expense of travelling back and forth to the hospital each day, while sometimes staying in hotels to be near Jacob. All the money raised from the leaf project will go to the Bradford family. If interested, contact coach Corey Ruff at (270) 384-8527. This story was posted on 2009-11-12 09:25:23
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