Nicolas Guynn
OAKHURST — Yosemite High School (YHS) junior Nicolas Guynn embarks for Japan today as a member of USA Team California Wrestling Cultural Exchange Program.
Guynn joins eleven teammates and three coaches to depart San Francisco for Tokyo, reports his mom, Anne Guynn. The team’s ten day itinerary includes trainings, school visits and six competitions in Okinawa, Kagoshima, Oita, Fukuoka, Kurume and Kokura.
“It’s definitely an honor for an athlete to make this trip,” says team coach and leader Todd Blank.
“Not only do we look for good wrestlers, we look for good kids — those who may or may not continue to wrestle in college or the international level. This trip promotes development for their final years in high school and beyond as they learn the culture of Japan.”
Each wrestler will be a guest in two different Japanese host families’ homes. Team California’s relationship with Japan began in 1962.
“I’m most excited about the educational aspect of this trip for Nic,” says Guynn’s YHS wrestling head coach Kent Lincoln. “He is going to learn a lot as he is immersed in the Japanese culture.”
Last season, the young wrestler won gold in the North Sequoia League Championship and the Central Section Division 5 Championship Wrestling Tournaments.
Now, Guynn feels it’s a privilege to represent his community and country.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in my preparation for this program,” says Guynn.
We’ll update on his return.
