State champ must bide time while injured

Eric Grajales, a state champion at Brandon as a freshman and sophomore, might have to sit out the rest of the summer tournaments. While skateboarding in Plant City recently, he lost his balance, sustaining a cut on his left leg that required nearly 100 stitches. Grajales, 17, has won more than 25 national titles competing in different styles and age groups.

By Terry Jones, Times correspondent
Published July 1, 2007

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What big tournaments will the injury cause you to miss?

I would hope none, but the USA Wrestling National Championships in Fargo, N.D., and the FILA World Championships are in the next few weeks. And I may not be able to make them. I hope to be able to make them both before school starts in August.

This is the second year you earned a spot on the USA Junior Wrestling team, something few high school athletes qualify for. Does your doctor think you will heal in time?

I have been in the healing process for nearly two weeks, and the international tournament in China isn't until Aug. 13. The cut will be healed, but I don't know how much time I will have to train. That is a very tough tournament, and I want to be able to do my best for myself and my country.

Are you able to train now?

Only upper body with weights. I can't run or wrestle yet without taking a chance of maybe doing permanent damage.

How deep was the cut?

Down to the bone.

Yet there is no permanent damage?

No, not to my knowledge. I just need a little more healing time and a lot of workout time after that.