Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, June 29 (day 3)

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We woke up at about 7:20 to have breakfast with our host families. After a wonderful breakfast we spent the morning getting to know our families. We met at Nirasaki Tec H.S. to wrestle the team from Yamanashi Pr. Next was our practice with the team. They scouted us well and we exchanged technique with thier team. Some of our wrestlers learned not to show all of thier technique to thier opponents before a match.

Soon after the practice we headed to the gym for the opening ceremonies. It was very, very hot and humid. The school performed a traditional Japanese drum ceremony for us and the crowd of about 500. Our boys wrestled tough and we beat Yamanashi 24-19, after splitting 5-5 in the dual.

Karlson Miller (Oak Harbor) pinned his opponent to start the match.
Rob Nagel (Arlington) lost to a tough wrestler 0-7, 3-8
Matt Johnson (Auburn) won the first period 4-0, but got caught and pinned in the second period.
Zack Brissey (Ephrata) won 5-1, 4-1.
Zach Byers (Arlington) lost 0-6, 1-6.
Ryan Burgess (Lakeside) lost 3-6, 2-3 to the #2 wrestler in the country at his weight.
Keith Schlecht (Emerald Ridge) had a five point throw to end the first period in ten seconds, and won 6-0, 6-0.
Jon Millard (Lakeside) pinned his opponent in the second period.
Evan White (Southridge) lost 4-0, 2-4, 1-8.
Cody Bradshaw wrapped up the match with a win 7-0, 9-3.

The Japanese always celebrate together after a match. We had a reception with speeches, medals for the winners, and a rice cake making ceremony (for special occasions). The wrestlers from both teams had a great time.

Match with Yamanashi Prefecture

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