Two foreign exchange students, seniors Johan Wiberg of Sweden and Jose Bustamante of Ecuador, wanted to try a sport that they hadn’t experienced in their native lands. So they donned spandex and took up rolling around on a mat with a sweaty guy in front of a group of spectators — a.k.a. wrestling. “I joined wresting because we don’t have wrestling in Ecuador,” said Bustamante. “I thought I’d try a different sport.” Though Wiberg’s true love is skiing, he wanted to experience a school-organized winter sport. “I wanted to do a winter sport,” said Wiberg. “I had to choose between basketball and wrestling, and wrestling was new to me.” The task of understanding the sport could be difficult for those who have English as a secondary language — but not for Wiberg and Bustamante. “One thing that’s nice is that their English skills are impeccable,” said head coach Jeff Anderson. “We’ve had no communication problems to work out.” Despite the potential language barrier, both wrestlers are doing well, according to junior varsity coach Mark Armstrong. Bustamante has five wins and a third place finish at the Wes Hines memorial tournament in Kalispell. “I was really happy when I won,” said Bustamante. “I hope to keep on winning and have fun.” Even if the two don’t have a stellar season, wrestling has still provided them with a sense of accomplishment. “After two months of training, it’s a really good feeling to be in better condition,” said Bustamante. “You get in shape and you don’t eat too much (junk) food,” said Wiberg. “It’s fun to get to know all the other wrestlers and the coaches.” Being the only exchange students in FHS wrestling history does not grant Wiberg and Bustamante any special treatment with the coaches, according to Anderson. “They’re just another couple wrestlers,” said Anderson. “They work hard, and they’re great kids, but they’re treated no differently than anyone else.” The two say they feel they have gained good life experience from wrestling. “The many hours of practice, going away on tournaments and the great team spirit,” will be the most memorable for Wiberg. The difficult task Wiberg and Bustamante have taken up has not gone unnoticed by Armstrong. Said Armstrong: “It’s a courageous thing they’re doing. They’re competing for the first time in a very demanding sport, in a foreign country. I’m real impressed. I don’t care if they win lose or draw, I’m still really impressed with them.” |
