"I believe that Purdue will make me the champion I long to be." CHRISTIAN BRUNNER
HEAD COACH TONY ERSLAND
"I think the overwhelming thing about this group is they really bought into our message, which is the transformation of Purdue and where we are taking this program. They saw the impact of what we did in year one and how the guys bought into our message. This same group was excited about what that message was and that’s accomplishing a lot of firsts for Purdue wrestling. I love that those kids want to be a part of doing something the first time, not just be another cog in the wheel of another program. They understand the special opportunity that they have before them."
"My aunts and uncles graduated from Purdue and my mom did postgraduate studies at Purdue, so the Boilermakers run in the family, which played a part in my decision." - Christian Brunner
Christian's uncle Jeff Zgonina (pictured with Christian and Coach Todd) played football at Purdue (1989-92) and in the NFL (1993-2009). He played in Super Bowls XXXIV and XXXVI with the St. Louis Rams, winning it all in Super Bowl XXXIV.
Frank Kmet, Christian's uncle, played football at Purdue from 1988 to 1991.
"At the end of the day I believe wholeheartedly that Purdue will get me to where I need to be, both in the classroom and in my athletic career." - Christian Brunner
Christian reached the pinnacle of his high school career in February, winning the 3A Illinois High School Association tournament title at 195 pounds with a perfect 48-0 record.
"Beyond happy to say I have completed a goal/dream this weekend of becoming a undefeated state champion, thank you to all my friends, family, parents, coaches, partners, and mentors for helping and supporting me." - Christian Brunner
In his four years, Christian placed three times at the IHSA tournament. He took third at 195 as a junior and was the 182-pound runner-up as a sophomore.
Christian left his name on the Dundee-Crown program with three records: career wins (165), career falls (103) and wins in a season (48).
The percent of his career wins by fall: 62. That's #AlwaysAggressive.
Christian is also a two-time ASICS/Vaughan freestyle All-American with seventh-place finishes in 2014 (cadet) and 2015 (junior).
Christian brunner
"I, without a doubt, believe Coach Ersland, Coach Todd and Coach Tanelli will get me to where I need to be to win an NCAA title. In the one year with the new coaching staff you can see a huge transition in the culture of the program and success of Purdue wrestling. The 2016 recruiting class, in my opinion, is one of the best on the country. I couldn’t ask for a better team to be a part of and I can’t wait to wrestle in the Purdue singlet!"
Head coach tony ersland
"Christian Brunner is an extremely hardworking, honest kid. There’s no doubt you’re going to get Christian’s best every time he competes or every day in practice and that’s the thing I love about him. He has good skills, but you know he’s going to give you everything he has every time out."
