Athlete of the Week: CJ Red

NEW PALESTINE, Ind. (WISH) - New Palestine freshman CJ Red is not only one of the top wrestlers in Indiana; he’s one of the best in the country, currently ranked 7th in the 106 weight class.

“I would say I’m a pretty good wrestler, but I still have a long way to go to reach my potential,” said CJ Red.

“Wrestling’s a tough sport, and I don’t really have to push him to do anything,” said New Palestine wrestling coach Chad Red, who also happens to be CJ’s father. “I say sometimes, it makes me look as if I’m halfway good as a coach because he does the things that wrestling coaches want, which is putting points on the board.”

Chad Red adds there’s been none of the typical father-son friction that can come with being both coach and dad.

“I don’t want to say it’s been all peaches and cream, but it’s been easy,” said Chad Red.  “It’s been a ton of fun, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

“I think he’s one of the best coaches,” said CJ Red. “He’s fun, he’s very loud, and he’s got great energy.”

CJ Red is now gearing up for the state wrestling tournament next week.