The Olympic Wrestling team at Northern Michigan University will be traveling all across the United States and other countries this season. The team has individuals from all over the country on the team and some of them are ranked nationally. The Wrestling team also has individuals who have represented the United States Olympic wrestling team in World Championship competitions.
One of this year’s wrestlers on the mat is Junior Criminal Justice major Kendrick Sanders. Sanders is 5’10’ and weighs 73 kg (161 lbs) . Sanders is excited about the opportunity to wrestle overseas. However, the teams first trip will happen in the United States.
“I will be going to Panama City at the end of this month,” Sanders said. “Then to Brazil, Europe, Russia, and Cuba later on in the year.”
The trip to Russia is the one that Sanders said interests him the most.
I am excited for Russia,” Sanders said. “They are one of the toughest countries in wrestling.”
After taking some time to rest, the wrestlers have just recently gotten back onto the mat this past month in preparation for the team’s trip Friday, Sept. 27 in Panama City, Fla. Sophomore John Bozarth said the excitement for him comes from being able to get back onto the mat. However, he said that it’s nice to travel.
“It’s very nice to get away now and then,” Bozarth said. “I’m excited for the U.S. open nationals that I placed eighth in last year.”
Although the Greco-Roman wrestling team is a team, most of the events are based on individual performance.
“Well my personal goals are to win every tournament this year and make my first senior world team,” Sanders said. “As far as team goals, I would say to have at least two or three senior world team members.”
Making the World Team would mean that one would be representing the United States at the World Championships. Bozarth said one of his goals this season is to make the World Team.
“I want to place top three at Nationals,” Bozarth said. “I think as a team we all have similar goals.”
While most of the team is excited about the chance to wrestle at the Olympic level,Sophomore Jessy Williams wants to know what the IOC is going to decide on whether wrestling will continue to be an Olympic sport. Unlike his teammates, Williams is excited about the events taking place in the United States, one in which will happen in his home state of NY.
“I’m looking forward to New York for my sponsor’s tournament,” Williams said. “And also Vegas again, possibly Panama City or Cuba.”
These wrestlers said they will be staying in the United States until their first trip outside the country which will happen Tuesday, Oct. 1 in Kourtane, Finland.
