Faith Christian head wrestling coach Ben Clymer understood that task ahead for his contingent at the recent U.S. Marine Corps Junior and 16U Nationals at North Dakota’s Fargo Dome.
Whether they won or lost, it would be a true test of mettle for his grapplers.
“The Fargo tournament is a grind,” Clymer said. “Training all spring and summer is difficult. You have to travel to find partners and clubs that are teaching those styles and continuing to train in the offseason. The financial commitment and travel is extensive.
“The tournament itself is spread out over three days with two weigh-ins. Couple those things with the fact that the competitive field is the best in the nation, and you have one of the toughest events of the year.”
Faith’s wrestlers, however, were up to the challenge. Rising senior Gauge Botero won the Junior Men’s Freestyle 120-pound title, rising junior Adam Waters finished third in the Junior Men’s Freestyle 175-pound bracket, and rising sophomore Nick Singer took third in the 175-pound bracket in the 16U Men’s Freestyle category. Waters also won the 175-pound title in the Junior Men’s Greco-Roman bracket.
Palisades rising senior and reigning PIAA girls state champion Savannah Witt also was second in the Junior Women’s Freestyle 120-pound class.
Botero, who began wrestling this year in January due to a knee injury and then finished sixth in the state, wasn’t intimidated by another big stage.
“Even though wrestling in North Dakota was a big stage, I wasn’t scared, and I was going to let it all fly when wrestling,” Botero said. “This is mainly due to my injury-riddled season.
“I stayed positive and was thankful to be on this stage, which definitely helped my nerves. It’s an extremely big honor to be a Fargo champ because of the prestige of the tournament.”
Botero, who’s appreciative to be back on the mat, held steadfast to his goal all summer.
“It felt great,” he gushed. “I was working out three times a day for most of the summer, running at least 3 miles a day, lifting and practicing. I focused a lot on recovery and worked on my diet, measuring food out and drinking a gallon of water. I believe that was the key to my success.”
Waters, a two-time state champion with an overall 87-5 record in two years, also has cherished his rise and expressed gratitude for the support he has received.
“It’s a huge blessing that my family spends their time and money on me and my wrestling,” Waters stressed. “Winning a junior national title is all because of my parents, coaches, teammates and people who believed in me.”
Waters related winning a state title to his latest crown.
“Just know how to compete under a big stage and let it fly,” he added. “It’s about knowing my moves and going to work and believing in myself.”
Overall, Clymer was humbled by their performance.
“To say I am proud of the guys that went out to compete and all the guys and coaches that sacrificed to prepare them is an understatement,” Clymer said. “I am so impressed with their grit and competitive spirits. They handle themselves in defeat and victory like true champions. When they speak during interviews, they speak like men. They are quick to express gratitude and give God the glory. It’s awesome to watch them. I’m a huge fan.”
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