College coaches are always searching for hometown talent that want to stay close to home and continue their careers right in their backyard. Seton Hill University wrestling will soon benefit from that with Greater Latrobe’s Jacob Braun recently committing to the Griffins.

“The new coaches obviously, Coach (Vince) DeAugustine and Coach (Austin) Shaw, I really enjoy the program they have there,” Braun commented about why he chose Seton Hill. “I also wanted to go to school close to home. I have all my family members around, and now they can come to my matches.”

Braun will be studying biochemistry, and will eventually go to medical school. He’s aware of the challenges he faces in his studies, but knows that his current sport will help prepare him for rigorous academics.

“Discipline,” he added. “Getting everything done that I need to do before I do the fun stuff. Wrestling helps me stay dialed in and focused, which I’ll definitely need to get into medical school.”

With his future already figured out in both school and sports, Braun can redirect his focus on this season with Greater Latrobe. He’ll also get to enjoy his final high school season alongside a familiar face, his brother Lucas.

“It’s great always having a practice partner to go to or someone that will bring you up when you are down,” Braun added. “I think it really helps bring the family aspect to me, my brother, and the team as a whole.”

Braun’s brother has constantly pushed him, even when he’s tired and isn’t motivated to workout. He also feels a sense of home with his brother being there, which has kept him focused on improving every day in practice.

That familiar feeling will continue next year when he’s wrestling for Seton Hill’s head coach Vince DeAugustine. Braun competed against DeAugustine when he was in charge of the Hempfield Area Spartans wrestling program for 16 years.

“When I saw he became the head coach, it immediately made Seton Hill one of the top schools for me,” Braun discussed of his excitement to compete for DeAugustine. “I think he has a lot to offer the program. He also knows a lot about me; he knows my strengths and weaknesses. He can help me work on my weaknesses and improve my strengths in wrestling.”

Improvement is what Braun is focusing on this year. He’s hopeful he can build upon his 23-11 record last season, which included a seventh-place finish at the WPIAL AAA Tournament.

“I think just focusing on the match at hand and just slowing it down,” he mentioned. “I think I was going a little too fast last year. This year, I’m focusing on one move at a time and getting through each guy, not worrying about the finals.”

Braun has been more present on the mat this year with the new mindset. He has captured 14 wins in his first 19 matches, while wrestling in three different weight classes. However, he still has one more goal he wants to accomplish before he takes a short stroll from Greater Latrobe to Seton Hill.

“I’m definitely hoping we can be county champs, and get another chance with my team to head to states,” Braun added. “That’s always the most fun we can have as a team. That’s what I look back on - the last time was my sophomore year - so I want to get back to that this year.”