SEAL and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen Recruit Wrestlers

Courtesy Photo | High school wrestlers talk with a member of the special warfare community at the Navy SEAL Accelerator during the National High School Wrestling Championships at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, April 1-5. The accelerator offered high school wrestlers from around the country the opportunity to see some career choices the Navy may offer.  

VIRGINIA BEACH, UNITED STATES

04.02.2009

Story by Sgt. Shanika Futrell 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – SEAL and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen teams and Navy Recruiting Command came to support the National High School Championships and to inform attendants about the Naval Special Warfare community at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, April 2.

"Being at this sporting event enables our community to make these young men aware of what the SEAL and SWCC community has to offer," said Capt. Adam Curtis, director of NSW Recruiting.

Many of the high school wrestlers were excited to see the Navy cared about what they were doing and they want to help them think ahead about their future. "I can't speak for my fellow wrestlers here, but to me, I know this shows that the Navy cares," said Ethan Blackstock, a competitor from Georgia. "I for one am happy to know that they are here to see what the wrestlers have to offer them as well as them informing us what the Navy can offer us. This is a win-win situation."

The young wrestlers work hard to be in the championship and to be here they have to be the best in their state.

"Wrestlers happen to have natural skills for our community because they train hard and love what they do," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Wallace. "We set up different events where they can challenge us and try to beat the record for our community. They love trying to beat us in competition and a lot of them have been close. With a little more training, if they are up to it, they will be able to succeed and set their own records."

The SEAL and SWCC community is also hosting a SEAL Fitness Challenge, which includes a 500 yard swim, timed push-ups and sit-ups, a 1.5 mile run, and pull-ups.

"Forty wrestlers will be competing in this challenge April 3," said Lt. Brett Cline, public affairs officer for Navy Recruiting District Richmond. "We are also getting the coaches involved. There are 70 coaches going to Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek tonight to view a live fire with SEAL Team 8."

The Seal and SWCC community frequently attend various sporting events, trying to get the message out about their community and what qualified young men can do to be a part of their team.

"Wrestlers are great for the community as well as other athletes like lacrosse and water polo players and swimmers." said Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Victor Licause, NSW program manger. "If you are physically fit, and you are up to the challenge, you can go on our web site and find us."

• Date Taken: 04.02.2009
• Date Posted: 04.02.2009 15:18
• Story ID: 31925
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, US