Wrestlers plan to gain more than trip from Far East

by Eric Pfahler
Staff Writer

Traveling overseas once was not enough for Ohio wrestler Luke Moore.

After participating in the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s 2001 European Wrestling Tour in Bulgaria and Paris, Moore competes in NWCA’s All-American Tour in Beijing, China, with about 30 other American collegiate wrestlers.

Moore said last year’s experience opened his eyes.

“It was kind of different to see a country that wasn’t as high-tech as ours,” Moore said. “It kind of makes you put things in perspective. Now, if my remote control’s not working or something, I’m not going to be upset.”

This time, he is bringing some friends. Ohio wrestlers Anthony Carrizales, Jake Percival, Jon Spires and Tony DeAnna will join Moore on the trip. Ohio assistant coach Joel Greenlee also will make the trip.

Greenlee, who has traveled around the world extensively, said the opportunity could be an important learning experience.

“I’ve been to a lot of places, but I’ve never been to China,” Greenlee said. “To me, that’s part of getting your education.”

Greenlee, who has traveled the world extensively, said being abroad forces Americans to appreciate the luxuries they have in the United States.

“I think living in the U.S., we take a lot of things for granted,” Greenlee said. “You really see how fortunate people in the U.S. are.”

The wrestlers will compete against Chinese national and club teams from June 10 to 19.

Greenlee said the wrestlers should learn on the mat as well as from the culture.

“They’re going to be going with a group of the best kids in the country,” Greenlee said. “It gives you a boost of confidence that you’re one of those guys.”

The group is scheduled to visit historic Chinese tourist attractions, including the Great Wall of China.

Carrizales said he covets seeing the country.

“One of the things they said we were going to go see there is the Ming Tombs,” Carrizales said. “I think that would be pretty cool.”

Though the experience allows the wrestlers an opportunity to build unity, Carrizales said the Ohio wrestlers are already great friends.

“Everybody’s real tight in the first place,” Carrizales said. “(The trip) doesn’t hurt, but we’re already pretty close.”