Discipline and spirit are the hallmarks of a Marine, and it’s no coincidence they are also traits exemplified by the nation's top athletes and wrestlers.
Marine Corps Recruiting Station Des Moines joined USA Wrestling in recognizing those who have displayed the highest levels of both discipline and spirit during FinalX Senior Freestyle World Team Trials at Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln June 9, 2018.
Capt. Joseph Bromen, a Dawson native and the Officer Selection Officer in Lincoln, opened the event with a speech in which he explained the partnership between the Marines and USAW.
"It's because Marines and wrestlers share so much in common," Bromen said. "As Marines we fight and win our nations battles, and we do that by engraving in each and every one of our Marines a fighting spirit, comprised of endurance, strength, resiliency, courage and honor. Every one of these attributes we see in the wrestlers here at FinalX, and so we are absolutely thrilled to be here to support these wrestlers."
Marines joined the wrestlers who won World Team spots on the mat to present plaques and congratulate them on their hard-fought victories.
"We pride ourselves on working very hard and wrestling being very tough," said Bill Zadick, Team USA Wrestling Head Coach. "I think it's an opportunity for the wrestlers to look outside themselves and see the bigger things. Beyond our own personal desires and glory, there's an opportunity to represent our country and that’s a really great honor to be a part of."
FinalX results can be found at www.teamusa.org/usa-wrestling. For more on the partnership between the U.S. Marine Corps and USA Wrestling, connect with us on Social Media: @MidwestMarines.