QUANTICO, Va. -- Marines from the national capital region met with Olympic wrestlers from USA Wrestling visiting Washington D.C. as part of the USA Wrestling Foundation Victory Tour, Nov. 17, 2017.
The United States Marine Corps partners with USA Wrestling to foster a mutually beneficial relationship that supports recruiting efforts across the force. The first night of the visit featured a special dinner reception and keynote address.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be here with all of you and to meet so many great champions and Olympians,” said Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller. “The Marine Corps looks forward to the relationship with USA Wrestling and all that we can do together.”
In addition to the dinner, wrestlers were invited to take a tour of Marine Corps Base Quantico the following day. Attendees saw several different aspects of the Marine air-ground team, including a MV-22 Osprey flight at Marine Helicopter Squadron 1, the unit famous for flying the president, and a martial arts demonstration at the Martial Arts Center of Excellence, the Corps’ premier hand-to-hand fighting school, and a live-fire small arms range demonstration.
“My favorite part of the tour was definitely flying in the Osprey,” said Adeline Gray, Olympic wrestler and three-time world champion. “I enjoyed the views. It was really awesome to see the turns and the base of Quantico. It’s a beautiful place.”
The Marine Corps recognizes the similar values that wrestlers and Marines exhibit and see this as an opportunity to exploit.
"The Marine Corps' expanded marketing relationship with the sport of wrestling is purposely focused on locating and recruiting physically and mentally well-equipped young women and men who we believe will be successful and competitive in all occupational fields, especially combat arms ones," said Lt. Col. John Caldwell, assistant chief of staff for marketing and public affairs, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.
Principles taught to student wrestlers such as discipline, physical fitness, aggressive attitude and mental and physical toughness align with Marine Corps principles.
The grind you really go through and the little things you have to fight through and come to terms with while still get the job done prepares you for anything, Gray said.
The incredible degree of adversity – both physical and mental – a wrestler faces is unlike any other in sporting competition. It is not, however, unfamiliar to Marines.
“Marines and wrestlers are both warriors. We both value the fighting spirit and mental toughness, while imparting positive character traits that they will carry on for the rest of their lives,” said Caldwell.
Through this relationship with USAW, the Marine Corps will also partner with other organizations within the wrestling-related community to further communicate the message of shared values and establish a strong connection with America’s youth.