All-Navy Wrestling hits NBK

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Cory Asato | 151130-N-OO032-116 SILVERDALE, Wash. (Nov. 30, 2015) - Chief Navy Diver Alejandro DeLaPena (right), stationed with Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport Dive Locker and coaching the All-Navy Wrestling minicamp, demonstrates details in a Russian tie up to Hospitalman Bobby Raines, a Yokohama, Japan, native stationed with Naval Branch Health Clinic Port Hueneme, during the camp at Naval Base Kitsap. Sailors, Coastguardsmen and Marines selected through application will compete for spots on the team to wrestle sister services at the Armed Forces Championships; winners will then be selected to represent the United States in the Conseil International du Sport Militare (Military World Championships). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cory Asato/Released)  

SILVERDALE, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

11.30.2015

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Asato 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. — All-Navy Wrestling hosted a minicamp at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor (NBK), Nov 30.

The team will be homeported at NBK through the upcoming trials camp and USA Wrestling sanctioned Armed Forces Championship in February.

“We’re here to help these guys to pursue their passion and make champions,” said Chief Navy Diver Alejandro DeLaPena, stationed with Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport Dive Locker and coaching the mini camp.

The minicamp will run through Dec.15 and Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) has brought in Sailors who competed on the team last year, two of which are current All American wrestlers.

“We’re the first All Americans for Navy Wrestling in 11 years,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Bobby Yamashita, a Northglenn, Colorado native stationed with Naval Air Station Pensacola. “I also compete on the Armed Forces Judo Team and my goal is to be an Olympic champion.”

Sailors are encouraged to fill out an application as soon as possible, route it through their chain-of-commands to then “wrestle off” for spots during team trials camp slated for mid-January through February.

“You have to be committed and find a way to get here if you really want it,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class James Souza, a Puyallup, Washington native stationed with USS America (LHA 6) and also an All American wrestler. “I’m so grateful and fortunate the Navy provides this opportunity and to have the full support of my commanding officer, executive officer and command master chief.”

The Navy team competes with the Army, Air Force and Marines during the championships and can compete in the nationals.

Service members compete in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, which have different weight classes.

Winning the championship, to be held in Bremerton, Washington, is not the end of the road for these wrestlers.

“I want everyone’s goal to be qualifying for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials,” said DeLaPena.

While some services have established and funded year-round training protocols, Sailors currently have had to keep their skills sharp by their own means.

“I’d say that’s probably the biggest obstacle; keeping your drive and focus throughout the year,” said Souza. “Being a Sailor is my duty and wrestling is my passion.”

DeLaPena looks to keep the Pacific Northwest as an All-Navy Wrestling hub.

“We’re working hard now and my goal is to have a year-long program here for wrestling,” said DeLaPena.

Winners may be selected to represent the United States in the Conseil International du Sport Militare (Military World Championships) according to All-Navy Wrestling’s website.

For more information about All-Navy Wrestling and applications, visit: http://www.navyfitness.org/all-navy-sports/all-navy-teams/wrestling.

• Date Taken: 11.30.2015
• Date Posted: 12.02.2015 13:07
• Story ID: 183271
• Location: SILVERDALE, WASHINGTON, US