Continued from page 30 Tracy Hancock has made a huge impact on the Greco-Roman level at a very young age. John Sachs photo.
said Hancock.
Before teaming up with Dantzler, Hancock was not familiar with wrestling styles other than folkstyle. He believes that with- out Dantzler, he would not have found a love for Greco-Roman wrestling.
“I had no idea about Greco or freestyle at all before I met Coach Dantzler. He started me on my journey with Greco- Roman. He introduced me to the style and showed me the basics. I picked it up in no time, and I enjoy it more each and every day,” said Hancock. Hancock plans on taking his wrestling career as far as it can possibly go. After graduating early from high school this past November, he has his sights set on making the most of wrestling has to give him.
“I plan on training as hard as I can for the Junior World Championships. The main thing we’re shooting for here is the gold medal. After Worlds, I plan on training here [Olympic Training Center] and taking college courses online. I want to earn my associates and keep training, and hopefully those cred- its will transfer to a four-year institution. I want to do this so I can get the most out of my athletic and educational careers,”
The up-and-coming athlete credits much of his success not only to Dantzler, but to the coaches and athletes at the Olympic Training Center as well.
"I have access to the best coaching staff in the world. I’m get- ting to train with some of the best athletes around. It has boost- ed me past many other Junior level wrestlers in the world and given me the ability to excel already. “I have to thank Coach Momir, Coach Lindland, as well as
Coach Ahad,” said Hancock. As he prepares for the Junior World Championships, he has reflected on how much wrestling has already affected his life in such positive ways. He is certain that the choice he made in middle school was the right one, and he is eager to see what the future holds for him. “Honestly, I feel that wrestling is just a part of my life and another part of me.” Hancock said. “Where it’s taken me and how much it’s shown me. There is nothing else that I could do that could show me the world and give me this kind of experi- ence at this age. I have friends and experiences all across the globe now, and it’s all because of wrestling.”
31 USA Wrestler
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