USA wrestlers learn the value of their brotherhood

If there is one thing that half a dozen Olympic wrestlers and champions learned in their wrestling careers, it's not the perfect lateral twist or toss, nor is it the victories or losses on the mat.

It is the sense of brotherhood that the sport provides. Despite tragedy and trials, the wrestling community will find a way to support its brothers.

When Jacob Janes, a 2004 graduate of and former wrestler for Evansville High School, located about 25 miles south of Madison, Wis., enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, he made a choice that would change his life drastically.

"This young man made the ultimate sacrifice," said Mitch Hull, director of national teams for USA Wrestling who graduated from Evansville High School in 1975. "He's a true hero if there ever was one."

Janes was in Afghanistan when his unit was attacked in April. He stepped on an improvised explosive device and had both his legs amputated below the knee. He also suffered severe injuries to his right arm and hand.

Hull heard about the condition of Janes, who had returned to the United States and is rehabilitating at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.  Hull said he felt a strong connection to the young hero and was compelled to help Janes and his family.

 Hull, along with Evansville Hugh School wrestling coach, Rob Kostroun, turned a local annual wrestling camp, the Blue Devil Wrestling Camp, into a fundraiser to aid the extra medical costs of Janes' accident that are not covered by the military.

 "I've got some good friends who agreed to help," Hull said. "Before I could even ask them they jumped in and said, 'I'll be there.' "

These friends happened to be world-class wrestlers: 1984 silver medalists Andy Rein and Barry Davis; three-time world champion and 2008 Olympic coach Lee Kemp and 1984 gold medalist Mark Schultz.

The five athletes came together for the camp this past weekend and taught wrestling basics to 150 area children ranging in age from kindergarten to 12^th grade.

"Hopefully these kids will remember this and keep wrestling," Rein said. "But I hope they learn about how unique the sport of wrestling is. It's like a family and we can unite as one."

Kemp believes that he gained a new perspective in assisting with the camp as he witnessed how the Evansville community came together for Janes. Local grocery stores donated food and supplies, and families housed out-of-town athletes attending the camp.

"I learned about the love of a community," Kemp said. "A lot of relationships were generated through this. That's what it's about in the end. It's all we have. Not the money or the medals."

Davis said the camp was more than an opportunity for the athletes to reunite or to get back on the mats for publicity. It was an obligation to help a fellow wrestler who made a sacrifice for his country.

"[The kids and families] weren't so much impressed with us as Olympians," Davis said. "They were more impressed with the support we showed for someone in their own community."

Hull said he hopes that other organizations take this camp as an example. The idea of Olympians and communities coming together can be used for other men and women who have sacrificed themselves in the line of duty, he said.

"This is one of those tragic triumphs," Hull said. "No matter what, Jake will be without his legs for the rest of his life. He has a long road ahead of him.

"But, it's important that he knows he is not alone in all of this."

While Janes was unavailable for comment, Hull had some contact with him and his family before the fundraiser.

"He was so grateful," Hull said.

Janes is now able to get up from his wheelchair and is learning to walk on prosthetics.

"He said that it was his dad and the sport of wrestling that has gotten him out of that wheelchair," Hull said. "It reinforces what I already believe.

"Wrestling has played a role in this young man's life."