U.S. Navy wrestling team training in Marquette
Courtesy of the USOEC
MARQUETTE, Mich.—Members of the U.S. All-Navy Greco-Roman wrestling team are visiting Northern Michigan University through March 14. The team is training with the United States Olympic Education Center Greco-Roman team to prepare for the Armed Forces Wrestling Championships held on the McGuire AFB in New Jersey on March 16.
Members of the USOEC Greco-Roman team will face off against the All-Navy team in a Greco-Roman and freestyle dual meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in NMU’s Vandament Arena. The event is free and open to the public.
USOEC coach Rob Hermann is no stranger to the U.S. Navy. He served in that branch of the military from 1976-1998, was the All-Navy wrestling coach from 1983–2010 and has kept in touch with the team.
“The wrestling world is a close community,” said Hermann. “When the opportunity to have the All-Navy team visit came up, we were happy to have them. The experience will help both teams.”
The All-Navy team is comprised of active- duty sailors. The program enables them to serve as goodwill ambassadors.
Jorge Mendez, of Arlington, Va., now stationed in San Diego, Calif., has been enjoying his stay in Marquette.
“I’m learning a lot,” said Mendez. “The training camp is very tiring but it is going great.”