TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - WTXL — In an uncertain and crazy 2020, many organizers of the 3rd annual Cam Brown Seminole Classic wondered if this year’s event would happen just a few short months ago. But with added safety measures a weekend full of wrestling pushed on in the Big Bend.
“Six months ago if you had asked me, would you put 100 dollars on there being a wrestling season next year, I don’t know if I would’ve bet on it," said Florida High head wrestling coach Clay Allen. "But as we got closer, and closer, and closer it was like OK looks like this is going to be able to happen.”
Organizers were willing to do whatever it took to make sure this year’s event would happen. So that those in attendance and participating would know everything Cam stood for as a wrestler on and off the mats.
“More than anything Cam showed toughness and heart. Determination, refusing to back down, refusing to lose," says Cam's father Sam. "More than anything he wanted to just get out and get things done as quickly as possible and dominate as much as he could.”
Each year an award for most outstanding wrestler is given to someone who both coach Allen and Sam would agree best embodies Cam’s mind over matter attitude. Who always showed his toughness even when the cards were stacked against him.
“We dueled Lake Highland Prep, who’s a nationally ranked team when Cam was a senior and they didn’t have a 195-pounder. But they had a returning state champ at 220, Allen recollects. "And so I asked him what he wanted to do...do you want to just want to take this forfeit or bump up and wrestle 220 against a returning state champ? And it wasn’t even a question. He didn’t even let me finish the question. Like coach, why are you asking me you know what I’m doing.”
Cam always said he never wanted to be forgotten, and beyond the wrestling mats of Florida High, his impact will be felt for years to come.
“I mean it’s amazing to me that Cam still hasn’t been forgotten and it doesn't look like anybody will anytime soon and that’s just absolutely amazing to us and we’re very thankful," Sam adds. "Especially to coach Allen for making sure he named the tournament after him and do this every year and to bring us out and let us be a part of it. It’s absolutely special, and very heartwarming.
