Central’s Miranda splits matches at World Team Trials

Central Dutch Athletics

RALEIGH, N.C.—Former Central College wrestler Jaime Miranda split a pair of matches at the World Team Trials Challenge Friday.

Representing the U.S. Marines Corp, Miranda, the No. 8 seed, won his 87-kilogram (191 pounds) Greco-Roman pigtail match against the No. 9 seed, 3-1, but then drew the No. 1 seed, Ben Provisor of the Nittany Lions Wrestling Club, a former World Team member, and was ousted 8-0, 0:44.

Miranda is new to Greco-Roman wrestling and early in his career but had advanced by winning the Last Chance Senior World Team Trials Qualifier at East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania May 5.

Based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Miranda had to drop more than 60 pounds from his peak at Central.

“It wasn’t too bad,” Miranda said. “It was my best chance to qualify. They made sure I did it right and took care of my body. I just trusted my sergeants and my coach. They took good care of me.”

The Greco-Roman style fits Miranda well, with its emphasis on upper-body throws, according to Dutch coach Eric Van Kley. But it’s still a learning process.

“The guys on the team break it down for me so well,” Miranda said. “I’ve got good teammates and a great coach. He’s one of the best in the country and he helps me understand the style better. It’s not exactly natural but it’s coming along. It’s some of the most intense and technical training I’ve ever done, for sure.”

Miranda said Central and the Marines have helped him advance beyond what he ever dreamed back in his hometown of Aberdeen, Washington, where he was homeless for brief periods as a youth.

“Central changed me a lot and the Marines have taught me a lot,” he said. “They’ve trained me to be a better man. I’m trying to get the most out of it

“It’s exciting to get to wrestle with some of the best in the world. It’s crazy to think I’m the guy who gets to do it.”