By Robert Balajadia

Guam’s wrestling community were treated to high level of coaching experience on opening day of camp at the FD Phoenix Center as Day 1 of their four-day camp started as hosted by the Phoenix Wrestling Club.

California Baptist University Wrestling head coach Lennie Zalesky and assistant coach Arsen Aleksanyan welcomed a group of young wrestlers eager to improve their overall game. Zalesky was a three-time All-American wrestler at Iowa going 73-2-1 record which helped the Hawkeyes to four straight National titles. His coaching accolades are also impressive being named the Pac-10 coach of the year in 2007.

Aleksanyan wrestled for Michigan State and trained with the U.S. Olympic Training Center from 2000-04. Aleksanyan succeeded at the coaching level as well leading the CBU Churchboyz to five consecutive top-10 finishes while winning the Masters twice.

After assessing the talent pool from some of Guam’s high school wrestlers, Zalesky was optimistic of Guam’s chances to succeed in the sport.

“Athletically you have kids just as talented as some of our best kids in California. I think if these kids get the right exposure or just train and get the right techniques down I think they can do well,” said Zalesky.

The morning began with a 2.5-3 mile distance run at 6:30 am followed by a days worth of training till the session ended at 2:30.

FD Friars’ junior wrestler Cyril Maravilla went undefeated his sophomore year and gave notion that he learned a great deal from Zalesky and Aleksanyan in just his first day.

“We learned a lot of counters to moves that are widely used here on Guam, especially new moves and how to set up those moves,” said the modest Maravilla.

The youngest wrestlers ranged from 13 years old to 18 years old with nearly half the camp members being introduced to wrestling for the first time.

Wrestler Cyril Maravilla cycles through different opponents. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

“The wrestling community here is widely increasing,” said Maravilla on the appearance of the youth. “I’m just glad to see these young kids come over for a chance to help us improve them.”

The CBU coaches spent a great deal on focusing on the fundamentals of wrestling at the collegiate level.

“It’s our college fundamentals,” said Zalesky on the days teachings. “Our success is based on how well you know the fundamentals so depending on how well you do them is how well you’re going to do throughout the year.”

It was also a firs time visit to the Island from both coaches so along with hosting the camps they managed to experience some local amenities.

CBU’s Lennie Zalesky instructs Christian McCreadie on arm placement. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

“My time here has been great and there are great people here. I went out for a boat ride and did some snorkeling,” said Zalesky.

“These guys are college coaches and I have great respect for them for taking their time to come to Guam and I would like to thank them for that,” said Maravilla.

The camps ends on Saturday, June 14.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Coach Zalesky demonstrates hand placement with wrestler Micah Lopez. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Assistant coach Sean Garcia jumps in and helps the youth in drills. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Coach Terry Debold and Zalesky help wrestler Kobe Tupaz find proper form. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Coach Arsen Aleksanyan demonstrates a takedown technique on Guam’s Micah Lopez. (photo by Robert Balajadia)