June 26th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Fort Hays State University announced on Thursday, June 26, 2008, the hiring of Chas Thompson as Head Wrestling Coach. Thompson becomes the 13th coach in the wrestling program's history.
Thompson comes to Fort Hays State from Pratt Community College, where he served as head coach for two years from 2006-2008. In his time at PCC, Thompson led the Beavers to 10th and 21st place finishes at the NJCAA National Tournament and coached two NJCAA All-Americans. He also coached 11 Academic All-Americans. His 2006-07 team was ranked as high as 6th in the nation and his dash 2007-08 team was ranked as high as 10th in the nation.
Thompson is no stranger to the Fort Hays State program, where he served as an assistant coach for three years prior to becoming the head coach at Pratt Community College. Thompson was a graduate assistant coach for two years at FHSU from 2003-2005. He was a student assistant coach during the 2002-03 season. Thompson had the privilege of helping coach five NCAA Division II All-Americans as an assistant at FHSU.
Outside his collegiate coaching experience, Thompson has also served in several other coaching roles. He was a coach for the Cadet National Team in Fargo, N.D., the past three years and a coach for the Southern Plains Wrestling Team the past four years. Thompson also served as a summer wrestling coach from 1999-2008 in the Freestyle, Folkstyle, and Greco Roman disciplines.
Thompson wrestled for Fort Hays State University from 1999-2002. He was a national qualifier during his junior season (1999-2000) after winning his weight class at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Championships/NCAA Division II West Regional.
Prior to competing at FHSU, Thompson wrestled for two seasons at Labette Community College under his father Jody Thompson. His father is a member of the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame, NJCAA Coaches Hall of Fame, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, and National Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Thompson earned NJCAA All-American honors as a sophomore and was a two-time national qualifi er for LCC.
A native of Parsons, Kan., Thompson compiled a record of 133-14 in his prep career at Parsons High School. He was named the Kansas Class 4A Wrestler of the Year after winning the state championship as a senior. He was a four-time state placer at PHS.
Thompson earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Fort Hays State in 2003, and is currently working towards completion of his master's degree in Sports Administration at FHSU.
The popular Cadet National Dual Meet Championships will be held June 26-29 at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City, Mo.
State-level teams will compete in dual meet action in both Olympic styles of the sport, freestyle and Greco-Roman. Cadets are athletes who are 15 and 16 years old.
The Greco-Roman wrestling competition will be held on Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27.
In Greco-Roman, Illinois claimed the team title last year, after stopping Minnesota by a 46-27 finals score in the championship dual.
The freestyle competition will be held Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29
In freestyle, Pennsylvania is the defending champion, after defeating host Team Missouri, 53-22 in the championship dual.
June 25th, 2008 by CBS College Sports: Wrestling / Arizona State / All
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Cain Velasquez, a former two-time All-American wrestler at Arizona State University and one of several former Sun Devils excelling in mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting, will step into the UFC's octagon on July 19 where he will put his undefeated record on the line in a nationally televised bout with Jake O'Brien.
June 25th, 2008 by CBS College Sports: Wrestling / Arizona State / All
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Cain Velasquez, a former two-time All-American wrestler at Arizona State University and one of several former Sun Devils excelling in mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting, will step into the UFC's octagon on July 19 where he will put his undefeated record on the line in a nationally televised bout with Jake O'Brien.
June 25th, 2008 by CBS College Sports: Wrestling / Michigan State / All
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Michigan State wrestling head coach Tom Minkel has announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Jeremiah Austin, Colby Borchetta and Mason Reid will begin competition with the Spartans in the fall of 2008.
June 25th, 2008 by CBS College Sports: Wrestling / Michigan State / All
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Michigan State wrestling head coach Tom Minkel has announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Jeremiah Austin, Colby Borchetta and Mason Reid will begin competition with the Spartans in the fall of 2008.
June 24th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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U.S. wins Pan American Junior Freestyle Championships with five champions
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
06/23/2008
The United States had a strong team effort at the Pan American Junior Freestyle Championships in Cuenca, Ecuador, claiming five individual champions.
Winning a double title with gold medals in both the freestyle and Greco-Roman divisions were Nikko Triggas of Moraga, Calif. at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Brent Eidenschink of Detroit Lakes, Minn. at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Triggas defeated Jose Figueroa of Venezuela in the championship match. Eidenschink defeated Luis Roman of Mexico in the gold-medal match.
The U.S. won the team standings with 74 points, followed by Venezuela with 64 points and Canada with 45 points.
Also claiming gold medals were Michael Mangrum of Auburn, Wash.at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Quinten Wright of Wingate, Pa. at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Kirk Smith of Boise, Idaho at 84 kg/185 lbs.
Mangrum defeated an opponent from world power Cuba in the finals, Lazaro Montez.
The U.S. added bronze medals by Desmond Moore of Easton, Pa. at 60 kg/110 lbs., Brian Owen of Spokane, Wash. at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Ben Berhow of Hayward, Minn. at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
The team was coached by Jim Humphrey and Rob Prebish.
PAN AMERICAN JUNIOR FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS
at Cuenca, Ecuador, June 22
FS TEAM SCORES
1. USA 74
2. VEN 64
3. CAN 45
50kg DESMOND MOORE, Easton, Pa. BRONZE
1. CRISITAN NOVAS, DOM REP
2. YERI RIVERO, VEN
3. MOORE
3. SERGIO MONTAGUT, COL
5. ALEJANDRO GRIMALDI, MEX
5. MATIAS AGUIRRE, ARG
55kg NIKKO TRIGGAS, Moraga, Calif. CHAMPION
1. TRIGGAS
2. JOSE FIGUEROA, VEN, 5-1 / 0:49
3. CARLOS VASQUES, ECU
3. JOSE RAMOS, EL SAL
5. JHON SAN CLEMENTE, COL
60kg BRIAN OWEN, Spokane, Wash. BRONZE
1. ALEJANDRO VALDEZ, CUB
2. LUIS PORTILLA, EL SAL
3. OWEN
3. ELDIS FUENTE, VEN
5. FREDY PILCO, ECU
5. MARCOS AGUIRRE, ARG
66kg MICHAEL MANGRUM, Auburn, Wash. CHAMPION
1. MANGRUM
2. LAZARO MONTES, CUB
3. NELSON PEDRAZA, PER
3. PEDRO CEBALLO, VEN
5. JOSE VASQUEZ, DOM REP
5. MIGUEL BORJA, ECU
74kg QUENTIN WRIGHT, Wingate, Pa. CHAMPION
1. WRIGHT
2. POOL AMBROSIO, PER
3. JOSE MERCADO, ECU
3. CHRIS LAVERICH, CAN
5. EDUARDO GAPARDO, CHI
5. JOSEP GONZALEZ, VEN
84kg KIRK SMITH, Boise, Idaho CHAMPION
1. SMITH
2. ERIK FEUNEKES, CAN
3. JOSE DIAZ, VEN
3. JONATHAN RIO, COL
5. JUAN ESPINOZA, ECU
5. ESEQUIL CABAZOS, MEX
96kg BRENT EIDENSCHINK, Detroit Lakes, Minn. CHAMPION
1. EIDENSCHINK
2. LUIS ROMAN, MEX
3. WILLAIN SERRANO, EL SAL
3. BRAULIO VARGAS, VEN
5. BEN EAGLESTON, CAN
5. PIERO BURGOS, CHI
120kg BEN BERHOW, Hayward, Minn. BRONZE
1. ELIER ROMERO, CUB
2. GURDEEP BEESLA, CAN
3. BERHOW
3. ROBERTO MONASTERIO, VEN
5. DIEGO PONCE, ECU
5. ALBERT COTORREAL, DOM REP
June 23rd, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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'Tranquility' is usually not a word associated with members of the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. After all, the lives of these world-class athletes are a mix of discipline, training and putting their minds and skills to the test against other highly-trained wrestlers.
So when Ben Askren, Clarissa Chun, Marcie Van Dusen, Randi Miller and Ali Bernard, all of whom will represent the U.S. in Beijing in August, had a chance to spend the afternoon being pampered by the pros at Tranquility Salon and Day Spa in Bedminster, N.J., they were understandably excited.
"Between training and preparing for matches and tournaments there isn't much time for facials and massages,”said Chun, a native of Hawaii who qualified at 48 KG. "It's fun to feel a little pampered and get to show that we're women as well as athletes."
For Miller, the U.S. women's representative at 63 KG, the day was a chance to relieve the stresses that competing has brought over the past few weeks getting ready for Team Trials. "We're happy to have this little breather in between Trials and Olympics, and we're aware of how intense the training will be," she explained. "But washing away that stress, even for a couple of hours, is a great way to re-energize for what's ahead."
The athletes have spent the past few days in the New York Metro area doing clinics, meet-and-greets and media appearances in support of "Fuel the Dream," a program instituted by USA Wrestling to assist the families of these athletes with travel expenses to Beijing. The time at "Tranquility" has also helped take the edge off their busy schedules while in the area.
"We are happy and honored to be able to support these tremendous athletes in this way," said Jody Maurais, owner of Tranquility, which has been in business for 18 years, including the past five at its present location, a charming two-story converted residence. "It's a sheer pleasure for us to be involved in this way, and to help make them feel relaxed and look great."
The session was the brainchild of Steven John Jastrabek, Tranquility's manager and artistic director and a longtime supporter of USA Wrestling. The makeovers preceded the team’s appearance at a special welcome dinner at the Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, which also served as a fundraiser for “Fuel the Dream.”
Even men's 74 KG freestyler Askren and his signature curly locks got in on the fun. "I think a couple of the guys were a little jealous,” he joked, “though they may not want to admit it."
"’Tranquility’ is all about making people feel good," added Maurais. "There's a therapeutic quality to what our professionals do for people, and the wrestlers got that same treatment today.”
June 23rd, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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'Tranquility' is usually not a word associated with members of the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. After all, the lives of these world-class athletes are a mix of discipline, training and putting their minds and skills to the test against other highly-trained wrestlers.
So when Ben Askren, Clarissa Chun, Marcie Van Dusen, Randi Miller and Ali Bernard, all of whom will represent the U.S. in Beijing in August, had a chance to spend the afternoon being pampered by the pros at Tranquility Salon and Day Spa in Bedminster, N.J., they were understandably excited.
"Between training and preparing for matches and tournaments there isn't much time for facials and massages,”said Chun, a native of Hawaii who qualified at 48 KG. "It's fun to feel a little pampered and get to show that we're women as well as athletes."
For Miller, the U.S. women's representative at 63 KG, the day was a chance to relieve the stresses that competing has brought over the past few weeks getting ready for Team Trials. "We're happy to have this little breather in between Trials and Olympics, and we're aware of how intense the training will be," she explained. "But washing away that stress, even for a couple of hours, is a great way to re-energize for what's ahead."
The athletes have spent the past few days in the New York Metro area doing clinics, meet-and-greets and media appearances in support of "Fuel the Dream," a program instituted by USA Wrestling to assist the families of these athletes with travel expenses to Beijing. The time at "Tranquility" has also helped take the edge off their busy schedules while in the area.
"We are happy and honored to be able to support these tremendous athletes in this way," said Jody Maurais, owner of Tranquility, which has been in business for 18 years, including the past five at its present location, a charming two-story converted residence. "It's a sheer pleasure for us to be involved in this way, and to help make them feel relaxed and look great."
The session was the brainchild of Steven John Jastrabek, Tranquility's manager and artistic director and a longtime supporter of USA Wrestling. The makeovers preceded the team’s appearance at a special welcome dinner at the Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, which also served as a fundraiser for “Fuel the Dream.”
Even men's 74 KG freestyler Askren and his signature curly locks got in on the fun. "I think a couple of the guys were a little jealous,” he joked, “though they may not want to admit it."
"’Tranquility’ is all about making people feel good," added Maurais. "There's a therapeutic quality to what our professionals do for people, and the wrestlers got that same treatment today.”
June 21st, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Three wrestlers and a coach from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for wrestling were among the dignitaries who rang The Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, June 20.
Participating in the Closing Bell Ceremony were two-time Olympians Brad Vering (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) and Daniel Cormier (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) and 2008 Olympian Marcie Van Dusen (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), along with 2008 U.S. Olympic Team freestyle coach Lee Kemp (Alpharetta, Ga.). Joining the wrestling delegation were also athletes from USA Rowing. Ben Askren was not in attendance.
The U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team is in the New York area for two days of media interviews, and to participate in the Fuel the Dream function in Bernardsville, N.J. on Saturday night. Fuel the Dream is a fundraising program created by USA Wrestling directly raise funds for members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, and allow them to bring family to the Beijing Games.
Joining the wrestlers on the platform at the New York Stock Exchange were a number of the leaders of the Fuel the Dream program Steven John Jastrabek, Jeff Hanson and David Welch. They have also been active with the New Jersey Night of Champions events which have successfully raised funds for USA Wrestling and the U.S. Olympic Committee in past years.
Van Dusen was given the honor of ringing the bell, standing in the center of the podium and bringing the work day to a close.
“That was fun. It was an adrenaline rush. I had a great time. I had to push a button and hold it for 15 seconds,” said Van Dusen.
Prior to going up on the platform, Vering and Cormier conducted national television interviews with CNBC and the Fox Network. Just before the actual closing of the day, on national television, Vering wrestled with CNN announcer Dylan Ratigan.
“I went down in the back and wrestled Dylan from CNN,” said Vering. “I did an arm throw on him. I think I ripped his suit.”
The experience was special for all of the wrestling people who were part of the tradition.
“This was amazing,” said Cormier. “It is something you never expect to do. The support we got from the people on the floor was amazing. They clapped for us when we did our interviews. You can feel their love for American athletes down there.”
“I never had that opportunity. It was awesome,” said Kemp, who worked for a number of major corporations during his business career. “How many opportunities to you have to do that in any walk of life. Even in business, you don’t get to do that. It gave me great pride.”
Lisa Dollamurt, who served as the host for the Olympians on behalf of the New York Stock Exchange, explained that 26 media outlets around the world purchase the video clip of the Closing Bell and 126 million people around the world witness it.
Having the Olympic wrestlers there was exciting to those who work there.
“This is special. It is not just a CEO up there. It is great to have the Olympians,” said Ann Marie Gioia,, Senior Media Relations Specialist with the NYSE.
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Fort Hays State University announced on Thursday, June 26, 2008, the hiring of Chas Thompson as Head Wrestling Coach. Thompson becomes the 13th coach in the wrestling program's history.
Thompson comes to Fort Hays State from Pratt Community College, where he served as head coach for two years from 2006-2008. In his time at PCC, Thompson led the Beavers to 10th and 21st place finishes at the NJCAA National Tournament and coached two NJCAA All-Americans. He also coached 11 Academic All-Americans. His 2006-07 team was ranked as high as 6th in the nation and his dash 2007-08 team was ranked as high as 10th in the nation.
Thompson is no stranger to the Fort Hays State program, where he served as an assistant coach for three years prior to becoming the head coach at Pratt Community College. Thompson was a graduate assistant coach for two years at FHSU from 2003-2005. He was a student assistant coach during the 2002-03 season. Thompson had the privilege of helping coach five NCAA Division II All-Americans as an assistant at FHSU.
Outside his collegiate coaching experience, Thompson has also served in several other coaching roles. He was a coach for the Cadet National Team in Fargo, N.D., the past three years and a coach for the Southern Plains Wrestling Team the past four years. Thompson also served as a summer wrestling coach from 1999-2008 in the Freestyle, Folkstyle, and Greco Roman disciplines.
Thompson wrestled for Fort Hays State University from 1999-2002. He was a national qualifier during his junior season (1999-2000) after winning his weight class at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Championships/NCAA Division II West Regional.
Prior to competing at FHSU, Thompson wrestled for two seasons at Labette Community College under his father Jody Thompson. His father is a member of the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame, NJCAA Coaches Hall of Fame, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, and National Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Thompson earned NJCAA All-American honors as a sophomore and was a two-time national qualifi er for LCC.
A native of Parsons, Kan., Thompson compiled a record of 133-14 in his prep career at Parsons High School. He was named the Kansas Class 4A Wrestler of the Year after winning the state championship as a senior. He was a four-time state placer at PHS.
Thompson earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Fort Hays State in 2003, and is currently working towards completion of his master's degree in Sports Administration at FHSU.
Cadet National Duals to begin Thursday in Kansas City, Mo.
The popular Cadet National Dual Meet Championships will be held June 26-29 at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City, Mo.
State-level teams will compete in dual meet action in both Olympic styles of the sport, freestyle and Greco-Roman. Cadets are athletes who are 15 and 16 years old.
The Greco-Roman wrestling competition will be held on Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27.
In Greco-Roman, Illinois claimed the team title last year, after stopping Minnesota by a 46-27 finals score in the championship dual.
The freestyle competition will be held Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29
In freestyle, Pennsylvania is the defending champion, after defeating host Team Missouri, 53-22 in the championship dual.
U.S. wins Pan American Junior Freestyle Championships with five champions
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
06/23/2008
The United States had a strong team effort at the Pan American Junior Freestyle Championships in Cuenca, Ecuador, claiming five individual champions.
Winning a double title with gold medals in both the freestyle and Greco-Roman divisions were Nikko Triggas of Moraga, Calif. at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Brent Eidenschink of Detroit Lakes, Minn. at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Triggas defeated Jose Figueroa of Venezuela in the championship match. Eidenschink defeated Luis Roman of Mexico in the gold-medal match.
The U.S. won the team standings with 74 points, followed by Venezuela with 64 points and Canada with 45 points.
Also claiming gold medals were Michael Mangrum of Auburn, Wash.at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Quinten Wright of Wingate, Pa. at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Kirk Smith of Boise, Idaho at 84 kg/185 lbs.
Mangrum defeated an opponent from world power Cuba in the finals, Lazaro Montez.
The U.S. added bronze medals by Desmond Moore of Easton, Pa. at 60 kg/110 lbs., Brian Owen of Spokane, Wash. at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Ben Berhow of Hayward, Minn. at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
The team was coached by Jim Humphrey and Rob Prebish.
PAN AMERICAN JUNIOR FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS
at Cuenca, Ecuador, June 22
FS TEAM SCORES
1. USA 74
2. VEN 64
3. CAN 45
50kg DESMOND MOORE, Easton, Pa. BRONZE
1. CRISITAN NOVAS, DOM REP
2. YERI RIVERO, VEN
3. MOORE
3. SERGIO MONTAGUT, COL
5. ALEJANDRO GRIMALDI, MEX
5. MATIAS AGUIRRE, ARG
55kg NIKKO TRIGGAS, Moraga, Calif. CHAMPION
1. TRIGGAS
2. JOSE FIGUEROA, VEN, 5-1 / 0:49
3. CARLOS VASQUES, ECU
3. JOSE RAMOS, EL SAL
5. JHON SAN CLEMENTE, COL
60kg BRIAN OWEN, Spokane, Wash. BRONZE
1. ALEJANDRO VALDEZ, CUB
2. LUIS PORTILLA, EL SAL
3. OWEN
3. ELDIS FUENTE, VEN
5. FREDY PILCO, ECU
5. MARCOS AGUIRRE, ARG
66kg MICHAEL MANGRUM, Auburn, Wash. CHAMPION
1. MANGRUM
2. LAZARO MONTES, CUB
3. NELSON PEDRAZA, PER
3. PEDRO CEBALLO, VEN
5. JOSE VASQUEZ, DOM REP
5. MIGUEL BORJA, ECU
74kg QUENTIN WRIGHT, Wingate, Pa. CHAMPION
1. WRIGHT
2. POOL AMBROSIO, PER
3. JOSE MERCADO, ECU
3. CHRIS LAVERICH, CAN
5. EDUARDO GAPARDO, CHI
5. JOSEP GONZALEZ, VEN
84kg KIRK SMITH, Boise, Idaho CHAMPION
1. SMITH
2. ERIK FEUNEKES, CAN
3. JOSE DIAZ, VEN
3. JONATHAN RIO, COL
5. JUAN ESPINOZA, ECU
5. ESEQUIL CABAZOS, MEX
96kg BRENT EIDENSCHINK, Detroit Lakes, Minn. CHAMPION
1. EIDENSCHINK
2. LUIS ROMAN, MEX
3. WILLAIN SERRANO, EL SAL
3. BRAULIO VARGAS, VEN
5. BEN EAGLESTON, CAN
5. PIERO BURGOS, CHI
120kg BEN BERHOW, Hayward, Minn. BRONZE
1. ELIER ROMERO, CUB
2. GURDEEP BEESLA, CAN
3. BERHOW
3. ROBERTO MONASTERIO, VEN
5. DIEGO PONCE, ECU
5. ALBERT COTORREAL, DOM REP
'Tranquility' is usually not a word associated with members of the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. After all, the lives of these world-class athletes are a mix of discipline, training and putting their minds and skills to the test against other highly-trained wrestlers.
http://themat.com/images/PamperedTeam.jpg
So when Ben Askren, Clarissa Chun, Marcie Van Dusen, Randi Miller and Ali Bernard, all of whom will represent the U.S. in Beijing in August, had a chance to spend the afternoon being pampered by the pros at Tranquility Salon and Day Spa in Bedminster, N.J., they were understandably excited.
"Between training and preparing for matches and tournaments there isn't much time for facials and massages,”said Chun, a native of Hawaii who qualified at 48 KG. "It's fun to feel a little pampered and get to show that we're women as well as athletes."
For Miller, the U.S. women's representative at 63 KG, the day was a chance to relieve the stresses that competing has brought over the past few weeks getting ready for Team Trials. "We're happy to have this little breather in between Trials and Olympics, and we're aware of how intense the training will be," she explained. "But washing away that stress, even for a couple of hours, is a great way to re-energize for what's ahead."
The athletes have spent the past few days in the New York Metro area doing clinics, meet-and-greets and media appearances in support of "Fuel the Dream," a program instituted by USA Wrestling to assist the families of these athletes with travel expenses to Beijing. The time at "Tranquility" has also helped take the edge off their busy schedules while in the area.
"We are happy and honored to be able to support these tremendous athletes in this way," said Jody Maurais, owner of Tranquility, which has been in business for 18 years, including the past five at its present location, a charming two-story converted residence. "It's a sheer pleasure for us to be involved in this way, and to help make them feel relaxed and look great."
The session was the brainchild of Steven John Jastrabek, Tranquility's manager and artistic director and a longtime supporter of USA Wrestling. The makeovers preceded the team’s appearance at a special welcome dinner at the Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, which also served as a fundraiser for “Fuel the Dream.”
Even men's 74 KG freestyler Askren and his signature curly locks got in on the fun. "I think a couple of the guys were a little jealous,” he joked, “though they may not want to admit it."
"’Tranquility’ is all about making people feel good," added Maurais. "There's a therapeutic quality to what our professionals do for people, and the wrestlers got that same treatment today.”
'Tranquility' is usually not a word associated with members of the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. After all, the lives of these world-class athletes are a mix of discipline, training and putting their minds and skills to the test against other highly-trained wrestlers.
http://themat.com/images/PamperedTeam.jpg
So when Ben Askren, Clarissa Chun, Marcie Van Dusen, Randi Miller and Ali Bernard, all of whom will represent the U.S. in Beijing in August, had a chance to spend the afternoon being pampered by the pros at Tranquility Salon and Day Spa in Bedminster, N.J., they were understandably excited.
"Between training and preparing for matches and tournaments there isn't much time for facials and massages,”said Chun, a native of Hawaii who qualified at 48 KG. "It's fun to feel a little pampered and get to show that we're women as well as athletes."
For Miller, the U.S. women's representative at 63 KG, the day was a chance to relieve the stresses that competing has brought over the past few weeks getting ready for Team Trials. "We're happy to have this little breather in between Trials and Olympics, and we're aware of how intense the training will be," she explained. "But washing away that stress, even for a couple of hours, is a great way to re-energize for what's ahead."
The athletes have spent the past few days in the New York Metro area doing clinics, meet-and-greets and media appearances in support of "Fuel the Dream," a program instituted by USA Wrestling to assist the families of these athletes with travel expenses to Beijing. The time at "Tranquility" has also helped take the edge off their busy schedules while in the area.
"We are happy and honored to be able to support these tremendous athletes in this way," said Jody Maurais, owner of Tranquility, which has been in business for 18 years, including the past five at its present location, a charming two-story converted residence. "It's a sheer pleasure for us to be involved in this way, and to help make them feel relaxed and look great."
The session was the brainchild of Steven John Jastrabek, Tranquility's manager and artistic director and a longtime supporter of USA Wrestling. The makeovers preceded the team’s appearance at a special welcome dinner at the Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, which also served as a fundraiser for “Fuel the Dream.”
Even men's 74 KG freestyler Askren and his signature curly locks got in on the fun. "I think a couple of the guys were a little jealous,” he joked, “though they may not want to admit it."
"’Tranquility’ is all about making people feel good," added Maurais. "There's a therapeutic quality to what our professionals do for people, and the wrestlers got that same treatment today.”
Three wrestlers and a coach from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for wrestling were among the dignitaries who rang The Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, June 20.
Participating in the Closing Bell Ceremony were two-time Olympians Brad Vering (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) and Daniel Cormier (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) and 2008 Olympian Marcie Van Dusen (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), along with 2008 U.S. Olympic Team freestyle coach Lee Kemp (Alpharetta, Ga.). Joining the wrestling delegation were also athletes from USA Rowing. Ben Askren was not in attendance.
The U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team is in the New York area for two days of media interviews, and to participate in the Fuel the Dream function in Bernardsville, N.J. on Saturday night. Fuel the Dream is a fundraising program created by USA Wrestling directly raise funds for members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, and allow them to bring family to the Beijing Games.
Joining the wrestlers on the platform at the New York Stock Exchange were a number of the leaders of the Fuel the Dream program Steven John Jastrabek, Jeff Hanson and David Welch. They have also been active with the New Jersey Night of Champions events which have successfully raised funds for USA Wrestling and the U.S. Olympic Committee in past years.
Van Dusen was given the honor of ringing the bell, standing in the center of the podium and bringing the work day to a close.
“That was fun. It was an adrenaline rush. I had a great time. I had to push a button and hold it for 15 seconds,” said Van Dusen.
Prior to going up on the platform, Vering and Cormier conducted national television interviews with CNBC and the Fox Network. Just before the actual closing of the day, on national television, Vering wrestled with CNN announcer Dylan Ratigan.
“I went down in the back and wrestled Dylan from CNN,” said Vering. “I did an arm throw on him. I think I ripped his suit.”
The experience was special for all of the wrestling people who were part of the tradition.
“This was amazing,” said Cormier. “It is something you never expect to do. The support we got from the people on the floor was amazing. They clapped for us when we did our interviews. You can feel their love for American athletes down there.”
“I never had that opportunity. It was awesome,” said Kemp, who worked for a number of major corporations during his business career. “How many opportunities to you have to do that in any walk of life. Even in business, you don’t get to do that. It gave me great pride.”
Lisa Dollamurt, who served as the host for the Olympians on behalf of the New York Stock Exchange, explained that 26 media outlets around the world purchase the video clip of the Closing Bell and 126 million people around the world witness it.
Having the Olympic wrestlers there was exciting to those who work there.
“This is special. It is not just a CEO up there. It is great to have the Olympians,” said Ann Marie Gioia,, Senior Media Relations Specialist with the NYSE.