After fighting off a knee injury and missing out on tournaments, Cerritos College wrestler Tilman Tran has received a scholarship to Embry Riddle University (AZ).

Embry Riddle coach Kenny Ramsey said, “He was real open-minded when it was coming to moving on to a four-year college, so evidently, that played a big part,” he said.

Ramsey said his academics played a huge role in his decision.

“His style fits the style the we like to see on the mat,” Ramsey added.

Tran had an offer to go to Menlo College, but said that he really wanted to go to Embry Riddle.

“I got hurt toward the end of the season, and even with [coach Ramsey] knowing about this injury, he still wanted me,” he said.

However, injuries are still a big concern for Ramsey.

“Of course I’m concerned with the injuries, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he can’t be a good wrestler, he’ll have to stay healthy when he’s here,” Ramsey said.

Tran also explained the transition from going from a junior college to going to a four-year school.

“The goals I have set here (Cerritos), I know I got to bring that level way higher and set the bar a lot higher,” Tran said.

One of Tran’s toughest challenges in going from high school to Cerritos College was moving up a weight class.

“I’m always used to cutting a lot of weight and maintaining that; it was really hard. Wrestling some stronger guys was really different for me,” he said.

Tran competed in the 149 pound weight class in 2008.

Tran added that he is planning on devoting his time a lot more toward wrestling and school.

Head coach Don Garriott shared his thoughts on Tran earning his scholarship.

“I think the number one thing that I think impressed the coach was his maturity,” Garriott added.

Tran said, “The way I like to lead is by example. I don’t really go around telling people what to do, instructing them and telling them what they did wrong.”

“[My teammates] see me doing well, I expect them to kind of do the same thing or see what I’m doing,” he added.

Tran said that putting the team down is “like a disease, it just spreads after that.”

In the 2010 season, Tran was named team co-captain until his partner quit the team, and became one of three captains.

“I wasn’t really expecting that; it gave me more responsibilities, a lot was expected of me.I just took it and that’s how I finished the season,” Tran said.

Assistant coach Eric Gould was also happy that Tran received his scholarship.

“I think that ability to get financial support is great,” Gould said.

Gould added that Tran would have a little transition for wrestling going into Embry Riddle University.

Both coaches are proud of Tran and could see him being a success.

Garriott said that if Tran could stay healthy, “[He] an see him being an All-American.”

In the 2010 season, Tran competed at the 14- pound weight class, putting his record at 18-11 and placing  6th at the So-Cal Championship.