Combining elements: Franklin wrestler plays cello for team before he competes

Franklin High School's Jonah Albert had one final task before heading to the mat for his wrestling match this week. 

Sitting in a chair behind his teammates, the junior played the "The Star Spangled Banner" on his cello prior to their competition against Centennial High School. 

"He a true renaissance man," head coach Frank Barbrie said. He plays football. He's a straight-A student. He’s wise beyond his years. He’s an old soul."

The junior wrestler played a homage to his senior teammates on the group's senior night. He also contributed his musical skills to the team's fundraising video last year. 

"It was flawless," Barbrie said. "He didn’t mess up. The wrestlers on our team were like, 'Dang, he can do that.' "

Barbrie said he's just as successful at the cello as he is on the mat. He said this season Albert has gone 24-3, ranking as the second or third best athlete on the team. 

"This is a kid who can truly do it all," he said. 

'Combining two elements'

Albert always saw string instruments in his grandfather's music shop. 

"I just saw the cello and decided it was for me," Albert said. 

Last year, a parent suggested that Albert play before a meet. After it went well, he decided he would play for the team on special occasions. 

"It’s always kind of fun to play cello for people, and I don’t get to play in that atmosphere often," Albert said. "Wrestling is obviously one of the things I get to enjoy. But it’s cool to combine two elements of my life that don’t meet up."

Reach Emily West at erwest@tennessean.com or 615-613-1380 and on Twitter at @emwest22.