Spend sufficient time round wrestling and sure expectations develop into acquainted: present up ready, embrace tough work, and preserve going when issues do not go your method. These expectations form success on the mat, however they will additionally affect how wrestlers method challenges lengthy after competitors ends.
That mindset is carefully aligned with the United States Marine Corps, making its longstanding partnership with USA Wrestling a pure match between two organizations dedicated to making ready individuals for tough challenges.
Because the partnership started in 2017, Marines have develop into a well-recognized presence at a few of USA Wrestling’s most distinguished occasions. Over time, the connection has grown past visibility at tournaments to incorporate alternatives for Marines to work together instantly with wrestlers, coaches, households, and wrestling leaders.
That connection was on show once more this summer time on the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota. Now in its eighth yr, the Marine Corps’ title sponsorship of Junior Nationals continues to anchor the partnership at one of many largest and most recognizable annual gatherings in American wrestling.
All through the week, Marines might be seen across the FargoDome speaking with athletes and coaches, collaborating in championship ceremonies, and interacting with households and followers.
“This yr’s U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals had been an incredible success and one other instance of the excellent partnership between USA Wrestling and the U.S. Marine Corps,” mentioned Bruce Baumgartner, USA Wrestling President. “Our two organizations are dedicated to offering alternatives for younger women and men throughout the nation to showcase energy and braveness within the pursuit of excellence.”
One of the crucial lively gathering factors was the Marine Corps Coaches Lounge. Away from the competitors mats, the lounge gave coaches a spot to recharge and join throughout a demanding week of wrestling.
Coaches perceive that creating a wrestler requires greater than educating approach. It means serving to younger individuals discover ways to put together, settle for duty, overcome disappointment, assist teammates, and proceed working towards a aim.
Marines convey their very own experiences with lots of those self same rules.
The 2026 Junior Nationals additionally launched a brand new image of the partnership: the Marines Battles Gained Award, offered to USA Wrestling’s nationwide workforce champions. All through parts of the match, the championship trophy was displayed contained in the FargoDome, giving wrestlers and households a possibility to see it up shut, take pictures, and meet the Marines.
The trophy’s title carries which means in a sport outlined by overcoming challenges. For a wrestler, the battles that matter should not restricted to those that occur underneath the lights. They embody early apply, tough losses, demanding exercises, accidents, expectations, and the choice to return to the mat and preserve enhancing.
The Battles Gained Award offers that shared mindset a visual place throughout the partnership, connecting the achievement of USA Wrestling’s nationwide workforce champions with the preparation and perseverance required to succeed in that stage.
Wrestling challenges athletes to develop into disciplined, resilient, and accountable. Coaches problem them to guide and assist their teammates. The Marine Corps asks its Marines to embrace those self same qualities in service to one thing better than themselves.
Practically a decade into the partnership, that widespread floor stays its basis, creating alternatives for USA Wrestling and the Marine Corps to acknowledge achievement, strengthen communities, and encourage the following technology to pursue excellence.
