For Josh (I) and Daniel (IV) Berman, mastering specific physical movements is crucial to achieving success in their respective sports—wrestling and climbing.
Two weeks ago, Josh placed third in the New England Prep Wrestling Championships. It was a hard fought tournament, where he won five of six matches against tough competition.
“I was very pleased with placing third in New England as a third-year wrestler and competing alongside the best,” says Josh.
Last weekend, Josh traveled to Lehigh University for his second appearance in the Prep Nationals. After going two and two in the tournament, he placed in the top 16 in the nation (out of 64 competitors).
“Josh was a great captain this year, leading by example both in work ethic and sportsmanship. He is only a third-year wrestler and was 14-0 in the regular season,” says Milton wrestling coach Chris Hales.
In Boulder, Colorado, Daniel came in second in his age group at the American Bouldering Series 12 Youth National Championship. This stellar finish won him a spot on the U.S. National Climbing Team.
Daniel began climbing in first grade at a gymnastic and rock climbing gym; he started competing in second grade with the encouragement of a coach. There are three main types of climbing: bouldering, sport climbing and speed climbing. As a member of Team Waimea, he practices two to three times a week and competes on weekends. For this most recent bouldering competition, climbers went up about 20 feet without ropes.
“It feels great to be on the national team,” says Daniel.“Although I don’t get to go to Worlds, because it doesn’t exist for youth bouldering, I do get an awesome North Face soft shell that says ‘USA Climbing Youth National Team 2011’!”
