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Sam Houston sophomore wrestler finds inspiration at home and abroad

By Jesse Sanchez 12/14/2000
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Sam Houston wrestler Ember Brettmann laughs when she talks about how her good friend Glory Dalton often stumbled around the wrestling mat last season.

"It was her first year. She was kind of clumsy and tripping over her feet," Brettmann said. "Her body was not working with her mind and stuff."

Nobody, including her good buddy Ember, is laughing this season. Dalton, a sophomore who wrestles at 138 pounds, is 7-0. Brettmann, a junior who wrestles at 185 pounds, is 6-1.

Dalton credits a two-week trip to Europe with the Girl Scouts during the summer for her transformation from an awkward freshman to solid sophomore.

"You can't go over there without your parents and not grow up," Dalton said. "It definitely improved my work ethic and how I look at things. "You go over there and watch what you say and think before you say anything. You see how much harder it is for some people than it is for you."

Dalton also said working with Brettmann on a daily basis has made her a better wrestler.

"I learn a lot from her because she knows more than I do," Dalton said "We work out as partners a lot and I know that's made a big difference."

First-year wrestling coach Ryan Menard said he feels fortunate to work with wrestlers such as Brettmann and Dalton. He said he's impressed with the attitude and ability of all his wrestlers.

"They have extremely good work ethics, but that's typical with all girls on the team," Menard said. " They've been there and know what it takes to stay there."

Brettmann said she has benefited from Dalton's improvement as well.

"It's more equal, not like that last year," she said. "Now, she's able to beat on me a little, but that's good."