Airman takes 2nd at FILA Junior National Wrestling Tourney

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robby Hedrick
  • 75 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAS VEGAS, Nevada --  As he walks up the stairs to the center mat on the platform, Airman 1st Class Kevin Justin, 96th Security Forces Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, goes through his usual ritual. He walks a lap around the outer circle, slapping and tapping his body, visualizing the outcome and mentally preparing himself for the grind...the relentless torture and pain of a two-day national Greco-Roman wrestling tournament, a chance to be the best. 

Only this time something is different. His thoughts drift back to the 6 a.m. runs in the cold Idaho mornings followed by the intense weight lifting sessions. The six hours a day of wrestling, drilling, wrestling and more wrestling all prepared him for this one moment in time. 

Airman Justin has made it to the finals of the 2009 Las Vegas/ASICS United States FILA Junior National Wrestling Championships April 8 to 11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
 
Although he feels a tremendous amount of pride to represent the Air Force, his family, his home state of Maryland, Justin feels the most pride in representing his teammates. Those whom he has laughed with, fought with, and lived with for the past few months. He has developed a bond and camaraderie with these men that is so simple, yet fails to be explained. 

During his lap he looks to the side and sees a short stocky man standing with his arms crossed and a confident, but determined, look on his face, who just nods his head in approval. This man has seen him grow and mature not only as an athlete, but as a person as well. His expectations are easier said than done. When another individual is out to cause you pain and discomfort, to take what you want, the pride, then the win is all you have to rely on. His reaffirming glance reiterates what he has been saying the past months, 'release yourself to the training.' This is Rich Estrella, Air Force wrestling coach and head 2008 Olympic Games Greco-Roman wrestling coach. 

On the other side of the mat, dressed in Air Force blue are his teammates. They are cheering and screaming already and the match has yet to begin. He is one of their own. Although some made it further than others, they support one another unconditionally. They took care of him through his training, trained with him, bled with him, and therefore, his win is part of their own. It is an ownership they all share and it is still individualized at the same time. 

As Justin walks to the center in his Air Force blue singlet, he glances at his opponent only briefly before he turns his attention toward himself. To that burning desire to excel...to win. This is what carried him through the years, when his body could go no further; his mind couldn't handle the site of a mat or being broken in a 100-degree wrestling room any more. This desire to win is what allowed this day to come. Sacrifices had to be made, but it was all worth it to culminate at this point in his life. 

He shakes hands with his opponent and the whistle blows. 

The match begins with fervent hand fighting with extreme pushing and pulling in all directions. The pace is fast and furious as the two athletes fight for position and the slightest window that will provide a tactical edge for a takedown. 

The period ends scoreless just as it began. His opponent takes the bottom position. As he flattens out Justin tries to turn him or to expose his opponent's back for a single point. The muscles on their bodies ripple as they play tug-of-war against one another in an effort to win the period. Time expires and Justin's opponent receives a point due to remaining unturned in the 30-second period. 

Period two begins with an intensity unparalled in prior matches. Justin needs to win the period in order for the match to continue to a third and final round. Sweat dripping off their bodies makes it difficult for either wrestler to maintain a good hold long enough to take advantage. The final seconds approach and Justin makes a surge to gain any points possible before periods ends and he slips. His opponent seizing the advantage falls on him to gain another point. 

The whistle blows again and suddenly it is over just as quickly as it had begun. Justin takes a look around the mat. Coach Estrella once again nods his head only this time in acknowledgement and walks over to extend his hand in congratulations. His teammates are there to congratulate and console their teammate. The moment freezes in time.
The lights are starting to be turned off, the cleaning crews have begun picking up and Justin takes one final look around. Coach Estrella had asked him to 'release himself to the training,' to buy into the system. Justin did and it provided him with one of the best experiences of his life and something to cherish forever. 

Although he is emotionally charged and physically worn down, the desire to win is still there. Telling him he can do better, he should train harder, listen better, run farther...He begins his preparation for the FILA Junior World Championships in May at the Olympic Training Center with the world tournament being held in Greece.