Seahawks wrestling team in market for new members
Published: March 6, 2013
Among the more than 130 competitors in the All-Japan military wrestling tournament from bases throughout the country last weekend were three U.S. sailors who competed as the Yokosuka Seahawks team, under the direction of Takashi Noda, a Japanese civilian better known as the head of the association that officiates Kanto Plain high school matches.
The Seahawks members were: Petty Officer 3rd Class Nguyen Minh, a 132-pounder aboard the Oscar Austin-class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen; Petty Officer 3rd Class David Close, a 163-pounder with Yokosuka’s Ship Repair Facility; and Seaman Victor Nellessen, a 185-pounder on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. The event took place at Asaka Self-Defense Force Base near Tokyo.
Despite the low numbers, the Seahawks placed third in the nine-entry team tournament. Close was the one Seahawk who came closest to gold in the individual tournament on the second day, placing seventh out of 30 wrestlers at his weight.
The Seahawks, Noda said, are always seeking new members and frequently take part in local tournaments. They practice from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays year round on the second floor of the USO building, B-48, next to the Fleet Recreation Center. For information, e-mail takashi.noda1.ja@fe.navy.mil.
