SCHULTZ MEMORIAL NOTES: Felix keeps chasing his dream; Zastrow joins Air Force to stay in Greco-Roman

Danny Felix of the Sunkist Kids knows people are going to talk about his age whenever he enters a major event such as the Dave Schultz Memorial International. At 34 years old, many of his wrestling peers are now on the sidelines coaching. But all Felix wants to talk about is his passion for wrestling and his goals of winning World and Olympic titles.

"The main reason I didn't stop wrestling is that I still felt like I am the best," said Felix. "I may be 34. I keep hearing about the numbers game. I tell them that I am 34 for the warm-ups and 34 after practice, but I am 24 when I'm wrestling."

Felix had a strong morning session at the Dave Schultz Memorial, winning three matches to earn a spot in the championship finals at 55 kg/121 lbs. For most of his career, Felix competed up one weight class, but he made the move down to the lowest division over a year ago and his performance has thrived.

"This new weight class is a new birth for me," said Felix. "I am energized. In my belly, I have the drive and desire to do what it takes to win in practice. Everybody wants to win out here (in competition), but the winning is done in there (in the practice room)."

Many people believe that Felix has a great chance in this weight class to achieve his dream of becoming a U.S. World Team member.

"He is capable of representing the United States at the World Championships," said National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones. "He is a veteran of the game, and has been a student of the sport for a long time. He has a good balance in his life. Danny is a good positional wrestler. He knows how to wrestle the international style."

Felix is known for winning close matches and making good decisions on the mat. However, since dropping to 55 kg, his power is also a major factor in his success.

"We have trained our whole life together, ever since 1996," said 1998 World champion Sammie Henson, who is coaching Felix this weekend. "He is stronger than anybody that he wrestles. Now, he is also strong in positions, too. I can tell from drilling with him, and that's what you need to win."

Henson was considered powerful and strong when he competed at 55 kg, and he believes that Felix has a similar advantage whenever he competes.

"I joke with him that he and I are the two strongest in that weight class," said Henson. "I think he is the biggest and strongest wrestler in the world."

Felix believes that he has an edge over his opponents because of his effective weight management regimen.

"My diet is unbelievable. I stick to it. Not only does it make my body feel better, but mentally it gives me an edge over my opponents. I only put good gas into my body," said Felix.

Felix is working full time with Mylan Laboratories, which supports his competition through its Sunkist Kids Wrestling program. He is also on the wrestling staff at West Virginia University, helping its Div. I program. Felix likes keeping busy.

"I am a father and a husband. I paint motorcycles. I wear a lot of hats every day," said Felix.

But what he enjoys most is being a wrestler. The Dave Schultz Memorial offers him an opportunity to continue to pursue that passion.

"My goal is to come here and win," said Felix. "Winning is not the major focus. I want to work on a lot of new technique. I also wanted some competition. I haven't had any since the Olympic Trials. Once I get this one under my belt, I will be on my way."

Zastrow joins Air Force to pursue his Greco-Roman passion

There are two World champions from the United States competing in the Greco-Roman division at the Dave Schultz Memorial on Saturday. Everybody is aware of one of them, big Dremiel Byers who won a World title in 2002 and competed on the 2008 Olympic Team.

The other one is U.S. Air Force wrestler Jeff Zastrow, who won a Sombo World title in Antalya, Turkey in 2006.

Zastrow became known for his passion for all styles of wrestling, including his competition in Sombo, Beach Wrestling, Grappling and other disciplines. However, Greco-Roman has always been his favorite style, and Zastrow has made life changes in order to pursue his goals.

"I am working full-time for the Air Force as a bio environmental engineering technician," said Zastrow, who has a masters degree from UW-Whitewater where he was an assistant wrestling coach. "I couldn't afford to train and travel on my own any more. I had great college partners but no Greco-Roman partners. I'm stationed here in Colorado Springs, and I'm at the Olympic Training Center every day."

His wife Chelsea is a nurse at Penrose Main Hospital, and is very supportive of Jeff's decision to join the military and continue to compete. His new coach with the Air Force, 2008 Olympic coach Rich Estrella, is very pleased with how Zastrow is improving.

"He knew if he joined the military that it would be best for him as a wrestler. He is stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy. We are starting to work together on the things he needs to do to pursue his dreams," said Estrella.

Zastrow used to compete at 96 kg, where he has placed at the U.S. Nationals but has not cracked high in the national rankings. He has dropped down to 84 kg, and he believes he can succeed in the new division.

"He is a very disciplined guy," said Estrella. "He wasn't getting the quality of workouts that he needs. Now he is training on a more regular basis with better partners. Dropping down is not a disadvantage for him. He has the speed needed for 84 kg. He has prepared for this for a long time."

"In 2007, I felt strong enough to compete at 96 kg, but I didn't feel physical enough," said Zastrow. "In basic training, I lost a lot of weight because I couldn't weight lift much. It has been a little rough getting down, but I am enjoying this weight class."

His training situation is better than ever before, and he expects it to show on the mat.

"My technique still needs work, and I am getting good coaching from Coach Estrella," said Zastrow. "Here at the Training Center, I can't get better partners. I am working out with T.C. (Dantzler), R.C. (Johnson) and so many others. Everybody is being nice, and showing me a lot of stuff."

Zastrow won his first two matches at the Schultz, beating Shinnosuke Omagari of Japan and talented Talon Knox of the Sunkist Kids. He was beaten in the semifinals by Chas Betts of the Minnesota Storm, but has a chance to wrestle back for a bronze medal.

Although he still likes Sombo and all those other styles, Zastrow has finally become a full-time Greco-Roman wrestler.

"For this year, I'm just going to focus on Greco-Roman," said Zastrow. "It is paying the bills. But I still enjoy those other styles. It is so much fun."