Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher R Jahnke | LAS VEGAS (April 26, 2018) Culinary Specialist Seaman Derekston Williams from Macomb,...... read more read more
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Flashing lights illuminate the air while people scuffle about down below. A fountain bursts into dance as spectators view in delight. The passengers on the plane see this scene out of their windows as it descends to the runway. On that flight are two wrestlers whose journey starts once they walk off the tarmac.
Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Austin Craig from Monroe, North Carolina, and Culinary Specialist Seaman Derekston Williams from Macomb, Georgia, are both assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
Craig and Williams have been preparing for their journey for the last several months by practicing, weight training and being great Sailors. This all led them to the 2018 US Open Wrestling Championship in Las Vegas.
“This is where I wanted to be,” said Craig. “I’ve dreamed about being able to come to Las Vegas with the All-Navy Wrestling Team and to show the wrestling community that the Navy has quality wrestlers. This trip is about reaching goals and finding out where I stand among some of the best wrestlers.”
The All-Navy Wrestling Team gives Sailors the ability to compete on a national and international level which includes the Military World Team and the Olympics.
“This is the first step to my journey to be on an Olympic team,” said Williams. “I get to wrestle the best collegiate and amateur wrestlers here. I have unfinished business on those mats.”
Thursday, April 26, the two Sailors took to the mats. By the end of the day they were both out of the tournament.
“I’m proud of my effort today,” said Craig. “I lost my first match and I came back and pinned my next two opponents. I was one win away from being on the podium and that was my goal, but I lost to a great wrestler. I found out a lot about myself and what I can do against these guys. Even though I fell short of my goal, I still feel really good about what I did here.”
Although Craig was satisified, the day didn’t go as planned for Williams, who was injured in his first match.
“I’m not going to let this injury define my day,” said Williams. “I came out here with a mindset that I can wrestle with anyone they send my way and this injury and the two losses aren’t going to bring me down. Even though I was bummed that my tournament ended like this, I have the World Team Trials coming up in June, so I have to get ready for those. I’m going to put in more work than my opponents so I can be successful.”
Craig and Williams share that mentality, put in more work than their opponents so when it comes to wrestling, they will be able to compete against anyone.
“I’m excited for the future,” said Craig. “I get to go back to Nimitz while continuing to be a wrestler. I can’t wait to give my body a break and then get back out on the mat with Williams.”
Nimitz is conducting a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship is receiving scheduled maintenance and upgrades.
| Date Taken: | 04.26.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2018 17:00 |
| Story ID: | 275787 |
| Location: | LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, US |
| Web Views: | 131 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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