By Jeff Chaney
The Grand Rapids Press Jake Bohn said it was a trip to remember, and one that will help him in the future.
The East Kentwood senior wrestler recently returned from Antalya, Turkey, where he competed for Team USA in the World Tournament from Sept. 7-9.
Bohn wrestled in three submission styles at the tournament, Sombo, Beach Style and Grappling, taking fifth place at 145 pounds in Sombo and Beach Style and a bronze medal in Grappling.
“This was the first time I’ve wrestled overseas, and it was pretty awesome, “Bohn said. “It was quite an experience. There were a lot of different aspects to the trip. I’ve never done Beach Wrestling before, that was my first time doing that, so it was interesting. The competition was very good. There were a lot of different countries, and everybody was very nice.”
All three styles are different from what Bohn competes in at East Kentwood.
“Sombo and Grappling are submission wrestling, “Bohn said. “There are no pins, you just work for submissions, so it is different.”
However, Bohn said he believes the experience gained in Turkey, as well as in Greco-Roman and Freestyle, which are styles Bohn more commonly wrestles in the offseason, help his chances to win a state championship for the Falcons and move on to wrestle in college.
“I think this will help, “said Bohn, a two-time all-state wrestler who was fifth in Division 1 at 152 pounds last year. “You can use these styles and transfer it to the high school wrestling style. I may not try for a submissions in high school, but can use the moves and go for the pin.”
East Kentwood coach Rick Smith looks forward to having Bohn in the Falcons lineup this season.
“I don’t mind him wrestling all these styles, “Smith said. “He is using some of the skills he will use in folkstyle when he wrestles for us. And he’s competing, and there is nothing wrong getting himself prepared for competition.”
Bohn is ranked sixth nationally at 145 pounds in Greco-Roman after taking sixth place at nationals in Fargo, N.D., in July.
He also wrestled for Team Michigan in the Junior Duals in Oklahoma, and went 5-1 in Greco-Roman and 4-3 in Freestyle.
Bohn does all his wrestling to prepare for the immediate and distant future.
“I would like to go to college and continue with Team USA, “Bohn said. “Right now, my top goal is to win state this year.”
Before the high school season starts in December, Bohn has one more overseas tournament he plans to compete in in November, in Nice, France.
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