By Justin Felder - bio | email
LORIS, SC (WMBF) – What nicknames come to mind for elite wrestlers? What might you think? Rocky, Sledgehammer or T-Bone perhaps?
"Most people know me by my nickname," said WMBF News Athlete of the Week LaQuandian Bromell. "My real name is hard to pronounce, so most people call my ‘Juicy,' even my teachers."
Juicy is one of the most successful wrestlers ever at Loris High School. The school boasts a top wrestling program and his unique moniker has been with him since the start of his career.
"I really don't know where that nickname comes from, but we've called him that since 8th grade," said Loris wrestling head coach Thomas Britt.
Bromell has placed several times at the state level and is currently undefeated this season. He also broke Loris' all-time wrestling wins record, last held by current Clemson linebacker Jonathan Willard.
"I never really thought about [breaking the record]," said Bromell. "I wasn't paying attention until coach Britt told me about it. He said, 'You know you have a good chance of breaking the school record, right?' I was like, 'I do?' It's an honor, man."
Bromell currently has 178 wins and counting.
"He's a great kid in practice, a great kid in matches [and] he's even better in the classroom," said Britt. "He's got a 3.8 GPA."
Britt is considering wrestling in college, but wants to pursue a degree in architecture. In the immediate future, however, he's trying to make sure that no matter what nickname people call him by, they also call him a champion.
"My main goal is to win state, team-wise and individual," said Bromell. "Get two rings before I leave high school so I leave a mark, you know what I mean, everyone can remember."
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