C.P. Schlatter looks to turn Glenn Garrison during October’s Sunkist Kids International Open. Larry Slater photo. Continued from page 18


his own, all while working as a full-time RN.


“Not too many people work full-time and train as well,” said Schlatter. “It’s kind of difficult to get in the workouts. On top of that, it’s difficult finding workout part- ners, too. There aren’t too many people training full-time. So balancing my work schedule and getting workouts partners are the most difficult things.” Not only is Schlatter adjusting to a style that he hasn’t competed in since he won a Junior Pan-Am title in 2004, but he is also wrestling in a weight class that is 11.5 pounds less than his college compe- tition weight. As a collegiate wrestler, Schlatter competed at 157 pounds. Now he competes at 145.5 pounds (66 kg). “It’s not fun to make weight,” said Schlatter. “But it’s a day before weigh-in now, so it’s a big difference. You can get a bunch of water weight off right at the end, so that makes a big difference. I hadn’t been lifting as much, so I lost a few pounds from when I was in college lifting every day, staying big. Now, I’m a little bit lighter.”


His first competition since returning was the Sunkist Kids International Open on Oct. 23. At that event, Schlatter reached the semifinals before losing in three periods to veteran Glenn Garrison, a six-time U.S. National Team member.


He came back to finish third. Two weeks later, Schlatter won the NYAC International Open.


“It went really well,” said Schlatter of


his NYAC International Open perform- ance. “I’m improving at a pretty fast rate. I didn’t expect to win a tournament this early. A lot of these guys have been train- ing for a lot of years. It was a pretty good feeling. I’m nowhere near where I need to be in par terre or on the feet. But it felt great just getting out there, competing, and being on top again.”


Schlatter hopes to compete in some upcoming international events to get some more mat time and see new oppo- nents, but it’s difficult to find time. “I’m trying to get some overseas com- petition, but that’s another thing that’s hard with working full-time,” said Schlatter. “Those guys go on a week or two tour.


It’s hard for me to get off for


that long. We’re just trying to balance out my work schedule and get in some inter- national competition as well.” Schlatter lives with younger brother Dustin, who will also be back competing again soon on the senior level in freestyle. The younger Schlatter tore his ACL and MCL in his final season as a Gopher, but hopes to compete in the Dave Schultz Memorial in February. “Anytime I want to wrestle, I just pull Dustin out of bed and say, ‘Let’s go work


out,’” said Schlatter. “It’s been real good. That’s a great training partner right there.” Schlatter has his sights set on making


U.S. World and Olympics teams. So what would it mean to be on the same team as his younger brother, representing the U.S. at the Worlds or Olympic Games? “That would be amazing, a lifelong dream,” said Schlatter. “It would be right up there with getting married, having kids. Right up there with the best part of your life.”


Paulson, who coached Deitchler to the 2008 Olympic Games, sees tremendous potential in Schlatter. “His athleticism is off the charts and he has a work ethic to go with it,” said Paulson. “I still believe my original assessment that C.P. can be the best in the world.”


As usual, the expectations are high for Schlatter. However, the pressure to per- form isn’t like it was when he was com- peting in high school and college. “It’s a lot different now,” said Schlatter. “Back then that’s your life. That’s every- thing. It’s what you have done your whole life. Every match you lose, you feel it’s over. Now I have a career, so worse comes to worst, I lose and I still have a great career and a great family. There’s not as much pressure on me now. I’m just going out there competing for me, for fun.”


19 USA Wrestler


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