Courtesy Photo | U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Monique Devitt, head of naval and enlisted programs with...... read more read more
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FARGO, N.D. – Marine Corps Recruiting Command and USA Wrestling hosted the Junior & 16U National Championships from July 10 to 19, 2025, at the Fargodome in Fargo. The 10-day event marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from both wrestlers and coaches.
The wrestling championships were the third wrestling engagement this year the Marines have activated as part of their national partnership with USA Wrestling. They also attended the USA Wrestling Women’s Nationals and the USA Wrestling Silver Coaches Clinic in Spokane, Washington.
“There is no better place to compete as a wrestler than the Junior Nationals in Fargo” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Anton Semelroth, the national director of Marketing and Communication Strategy, MCRC. “USA Wrestling is more than just a partner; they embody the values we Marines uphold. Wrestlers possess similar qualities, such as dedication, team spirit, and mental and physical resiliency.”
Throughout the event, Marines participated in various activities, such as a coach's council meeting and state leaders' breakfast. Also, the Marines took center stage to present awards to every national title recipient following their matches in freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, and beach wrestling, the newest category of wrestling at the event. The Marines also hosted a Coaches’ Lounge throughout the week, providing a space for coaches to talk with Marines while not on the mats with their wrestlers.
“We wanted to give the coaches a place to watch the matches, take a breath and interact with the Marines” said Greg Gilliam, national partnership and community engagement director, MCRC. “This interaction allowed Marines to establish relationships and helped coaches gain a better understanding about the Marine Corps. The objective was to create advocates who would return to schools and communities better informed about opportunities in the Marine Corps.”
The partnership between the MCRC and USA Wrestling holds mutual benefits. Marine proof sources established themselves as resources available to wrestling coaches across the nation, forming valuable relationships within the wrestling community. By attending practices and leading discussions on leadership, determination, and ethics, Marines can strengthen the capabilities of individual wrestlers and the entire team.
“Success is when the coaches start a conversation with their wrestlers about life after competition,” said Semelroth. “We know that young folks have a menu of options available to them, and we want the Marine Corps to be presented as one of those options.”
The National Partnerships Program aims to engage educators, coaches, and school administrators to increase awareness of the Marine Corps and highlight its purpose. Through these partnerships, influencers are inspired to provide qualified men and women with access to Marine recruiters, further strengthening the connection between the Marines and the communities they serve.
The command will be back to the mats July 31, 2025, in Ponte Verde, Forida, at the National Wrestling Coaches Convention.
| Date Taken: | 07.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.22.2025 16:55 |
| Story ID: | 543510 |
| Location: | FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 346 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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