Ramstein wrestlers shine

Ramstein wrestlers locked their opponents in a grueling battle to conquer the mat as they competed in the 100th Area Support Group Wrestling Championships in Vilseck, Germany, Nov. 20.

The Ramstein varsity wrestling team had a very impressive showing, placing second in the Invitational division with only four wrestlers. In a pool of nearly 60 wrestlers, the Ramstein athletes stood out among the competition placing three wrestlers in the finals in each division of freestyle and Greco-Roman.

The event, hosted by 409th Base Support Battalion, included teams from Hanau, Vilseck, Baumholder, Hohenfels, Geilenkirchen, Wurzburg and Grafenwöehr.
In the 211-pound weight class, Lorenzo Peterson claimed the freestyle championship and third place in Greco Roman, and Robin Kiska was the runner-up in both styles. Also, Jesus Raimundi III was runner-up in each style for the 185-pound weight class.

“These athletes did an outstanding job of representing the Air Force through their tenacity, skill and professionalism,” said Raimundi.

Today and Saturday, the four wrestlers compete in the European Championships in Vicenza, Italy. The team is also looking to receive sponsorship from the 435th Services Squadron to continue representing the Air Force and send athletes to the All Air Force Wrestling Team Camp in Colorado Springs, Colo., in March.

“The Ramstein team has a lot of talent,” said Maj. Thomas Tingley, All Air Force Team assistant coach. “I am looking forward to helping them improve so they can compete at higher levels.”