FCA hosts clinic with former OSU wrestler
Ohio State University graduate and 2015 NCAA Champion Wrestler Nathan Tomasello had Lucian Brink, a wrestler at Coshocton High School, help him demonstrate techniques during the first session of his clinic held on Oct. 19 at Kids America. The clinic was organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Wrestlers of all ages had the chance to learn from a college champion and Olympic hopeful thanks to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
With the help of a sponsor, the FCA brought 2017 Ohio State University graduate Nathan Tomasello to town for a clinic on Oct. 19 at Kids America. Tomasello’s OSU wrestling career record is 119-8. He was an NCAA Champion in 2015, a four-time Big Ten Champion, and a four-time NCAA All American.
“I am a season ticket holder for OSU wrestling and had met him several years ago,” said John Strasser from FCA. “I asked him (Tomasello) if he’d ever consider coming to Coshocton and he said he would. We just had to figure out the best time to do it.”
Even though he is currently training to make the 2020 Olympic team, Tomasello was able to fit a trip to Coshocton into his schedule. He held sessions on techniques with inexperienced wrestlers in the morning and experienced ones in the afternoon. After each session he shared his testimony.
“When I was in college I did a few clinics and I did eight or nine last summer,” Tomasello said. “I enjoy having an impact on the kids, showing them moves and giving them advice. A lot of people helped me in my career and I want to be that someone for them.”
Area high school coaches and wrestler helped him work with the younger kids and Kids America donated the space for them to use.
“This was our first attempt at a clinic,” Strasser said. “We would like to do more in the future.”
Nick Johnson, who also is with the FCA, was happy they were able to bring someone of Tomasello’s caliber to kids right here in Coshocton.
“It’s a nice opportunity for kids to be able to experience something like this,” Johnson said. “It also shows them that you can be at the top of your sport and still be a guy of good character and faith.”
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