With so many former USA Everett wrestlers now coaching or involved in wrestling across the state, I thought it’d be fun to launch an online store with throwback shirts. Over the years, I’ve run into many old teammates, and it inspired me to create something to honor our shared history.

Throughout the 1980s, 90s, and through the mid-2000s, Coach Ron Bessemer trained multiple state champions, national champions, and world team members. A month ago, I sat down with Derek Garcia, and we started compiling a list of former USA Everett wrestlers who are now coaching or involved with wrestling in some capacity.

The store is open to everyone and will be live for the next three weeks! The prices are a bit higher than usual, as I had to commission a new print, but I hope you'll think it’s worth it.

Feel free to share this with family and friends who have connections to USA Everett. The shirts replicate a team shirt from the late 1990s, with "BESSEMER TRAINED" added on the long sleeves as a tribute to Coach Bessemer's legacy. You can copy and paste the store link: https://swangraphics.printavo.com/merch/wrestling-club-online-store.

To read more about Coach Ron Bessemer’s legacy, visit his Washington Wrestling Hall of Fame page: https://washingtonwrestlingreport.net/wp-content/uploads/HOF/Hall_OF_fame_permanent.htm

Here's a shout-out to some of the USA Everett alumni still active in wrestling today (listed alphabetically):

Adam Aney - Glacier Peak High School
Mike Bundy - WSWA 16U National Team Director/High School Coach, Camp Clinician
Andy Cook - Camp Clinician, National Team Prep Coach, International Coach
Coyte Cooper - Motivational Speaker/Coach https://coytecooper.com/
Ryan Doerge - Mill Creek Chiropractic
Derek Garcia - Ascend Wrestling Academy
Dave Gilbertson - Washington Wrestling Report/State Official
Jonny Gilbertson - Arlington High School (Boys Head Coach)
LeeAnn Johnson - WSWA Operations Director
Michael Lomsdalen - Anacortes High School (Boys Head Coach)/Outlaw Wrestling Club
Cecilio Martinez - State Official
Jordan Ottow - Ascend Wrestling Academy/WSWA 14U Girls National Team/Snohomish High School (Girls Head Coach)
Sam Ottow - Washington Wrestling Network/Kamiak High School/Ascend Wrestling Academy
Otto Olson - Ascend Wrestling Academy/Otto-Matic Mobile Music Inc. http://www.ottoolson.com/
Israel Silva - RedWave Wrestling, California National Team Coach

I’m sure I’ve missed a few people who are currently serving the wrestling community—please forgive me if I left you out and feel free to add your name and affiliation in the comments!