Military World Games Open in India, as U.S. wrestlers prepare for competition
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by Van Stokes
The 4th Military World Games began yesterday in Hyderabad, India. Over 5,000 military-athletes from more than 100 countries participated in the Opening Ceremonies last night at Gachibowli Stadium.
The President of India, Pratibha Patil, officially opened the games with all of the pomp and circumstances of a world class event. The Opening Ceremonies were patterned after the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games and featured an evening of pageantry, music and dance.
Like the Olympic Games, the Military World Games are held every four years. The games are conducted by the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM), and operates under the motto of "Friendship Through Sports."
CISM coducts competition in over 20 sports each year at different locations around the world. Eleven sports are being held in Hyderabad, with sailing and triathlon being held in Mumbai. Wrestling is being conducted for the 25th time in the history of CISM.
Wrestling begins tomorrow with 30 countries entering competitors in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.
Head Coach Rob Hermann, former U.S. Olympic Coach and Head Coach of the Navy since 1982, is excited about the competition.
"For some of these wrestlers, this is their Olympics", said Hermann. "With others, it's a good chance to get some international matches at this level. It is a great opportunity to enhance our Greco-Roman and Freestyle programs."
Dan Hicks, coach with the U.S. Marine Corps, is serving as Assistant Coach.
"The competition here isn't much different than the Olympics or World Championships. Many of these wrestlers have contended for a medal at that level," said Hermann.
Five military wrestlers are entered for the United States in Greco-Roman and seven are entered in Freestyle.
U.S. Greco-Roman team
55 kg/121 lbs. - Anthony Brooker, USAF
60 kg/132 lbs. - Jeremy McLean, USMC
66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Marcel Cooper, ARMY
96 kg/211.5 lbs. - Phillip Johnston, ARMY
120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Mark Simmonds, NAVY
U.S. Freestyle team
55 kg/121 lbs. - Eric Albarracin, ARMY
60 kg/132 lbs. - Josh Habeck, ARMY
66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Glenn Garrison, ARMY
74 kg/163 lbs. - Philip Simpson, ARMY
84 kg/185 lbs. - Willie Parks, ARMY
96 kg/211.5 lbs. - Kevin Ahern, ARMY
120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Timothy Taylor, ARMY
Greco-Roman competition will be held on October 16th and 17th.
Freestyle competition will be conducted on October 19th and 20th.
Click here for official website of the CISM Games
The President of India, Pratibha Patil, officially opened the games with all of the pomp and circumstances of a world class event. The Opening Ceremonies were patterned after the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games and featured an evening of pageantry, music and dance.
Like the Olympic Games, the Military World Games are held every four years. The games are conducted by the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM), and operates under the motto of "Friendship Through Sports."
CISM coducts competition in over 20 sports each year at different locations around the world. Eleven sports are being held in Hyderabad, with sailing and triathlon being held in Mumbai. Wrestling is being conducted for the 25th time in the history of CISM.
Wrestling begins tomorrow with 30 countries entering competitors in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.
Head Coach Rob Hermann, former U.S. Olympic Coach and Head Coach of the Navy since 1982, is excited about the competition.
"For some of these wrestlers, this is their Olympics", said Hermann. "With others, it's a good chance to get some international matches at this level. It is a great opportunity to enhance our Greco-Roman and Freestyle programs."
Dan Hicks, coach with the U.S. Marine Corps, is serving as Assistant Coach.
"The competition here isn't much different than the Olympics or World Championships. Many of these wrestlers have contended for a medal at that level," said Hermann.
Five military wrestlers are entered for the United States in Greco-Roman and seven are entered in Freestyle.
U.S. Greco-Roman team
55 kg/121 lbs. - Anthony Brooker, USAF
60 kg/132 lbs. - Jeremy McLean, USMC
66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Marcel Cooper, ARMY
96 kg/211.5 lbs. - Phillip Johnston, ARMY
120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Mark Simmonds, NAVY
U.S. Freestyle team
55 kg/121 lbs. - Eric Albarracin, ARMY
60 kg/132 lbs. - Josh Habeck, ARMY
66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Glenn Garrison, ARMY
74 kg/163 lbs. - Philip Simpson, ARMY
84 kg/185 lbs. - Willie Parks, ARMY
96 kg/211.5 lbs. - Kevin Ahern, ARMY
120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Timothy Taylor, ARMY
Greco-Roman competition will be held on October 16th and 17th.
Freestyle competition will be conducted on October 19th and 20th.
Click here for official website of the CISM Games
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