Ohio State’s Myles Martin wrestles Mitch Bowman in the dual-meet against Iowa on Jan. 21 in the Schottenstein Center. Credit: Jack Westerheide | Managing Editor for Design
Senior 184-pound captain Myles Martin and redshirt junior captain Kollin Moore have both accomplished many feats in their time at Ohio State. But one thing they both happily reflect on is their time spent in Romania battling alongside one another.
Moore and Martin traveled to Romania to compete in the U23 World Championships as two of 400 wrestlers representing 34 nations. Moore, after participating in the event in both 2016 and 2017, earned a silver medal in the tournament.
“I got to wrestle a lot of good guys,” Moore said. “Just to wrestle some Russians and some other guys from countries who are really good at wrestling. It’s an honor and I thought I competed well.”
Both wrestlers said they learned a lot and had a different experience compared with anything they’ve ever had in the states. And it was something Martin loved, giving him goals for his future.
“I took a lot away from it, but one big thing I learned was that I want to make as many world teams as possible and compete overseas as much as I can,” Martin said. “I’m not used to wrestling foreigners where they have a different mindset towards wrestling. One little mistake and you can get beat. I’m excited to compete in another one.”
In his first trip to the U23 World Championships, Martin said it was good to have Moore there, one who had competed overseas three times before and as a teammate and a familiar place in a foreign country.
Moore was even more excited about having his teammate and friend competing alongside him.
“It was nice to have a good buddy in the room to talk to and to work out with. Especially on the travel,” Moore said. “We traveled for 29 hours on the way back, so it was nice to suffer through that with a guy you’re really close with.”
Ohio State head coach Tom Ryan was very proud of both Martin and Moore, saying that what they’ve been able to accomplish is incredible.
“To be at the level they’re at is rare. I think the numbers are .005 percent of high school wrestlers make it to the college level. And then those that make it to world teams are at a whole different level,” Ryan said. “To see guys like Kollin and Myles who have talent and incredible work ethic and provide great leadership for us.”
But the goal for both Moore and Martin remained the same when they went to Romania as to when they wrestle for Ohio State: to show their ability on the mat.
Moore said that when facing international talent, every positive performance provides a statement for not only him and Ohio State, but also the United States.
“I let them know the USA is getting better and we’re coming for them,” Moore said.
