The Marine Corps Recruiting Command in Quantico, Va. recently partnered with the National Wrestling Coaches Association to pilot a leadership development program for young men, women and coaches.  The occasion was recognized at the NWCA All-Star Classic at Hofstra University, Long Island, N.Y. Monday,Jan. 28, 2002.    Leadership is a pillar among Marines and is a part of their everyday life. The NWCA leadership development program will focus on empowering high school and college coaches in developing the leadership abilities of the athletes, which will stay with them, post graduation and through their life.    The NWCA identified the leadership principles the Marine Corps lives by and would like to join forces.    "Wrestling coaches at every level are in the business of developing leaders," said Roger Reina, President of NWCA and head wrestling coach, University of Pennsylvania.  "This is a great tie in with the experience of the Marine Corps leadership training.  We feel we need to do a better job of teaching and leading, and with the help of the Corps we should accomplish this mission."    Prior to the wrestling tournament, guest speaker Lt. Gen. Martin R. Steele, President and CEO, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in Manhattan made a few comments about why the Marine Corps is now involved in the NWCA.    "Wrestlers have a commitment to the sport which embodies everything a leader has such as hard work, resolve, dedication and commitment," explained Lt. Gen Steele.  "This is a marriage made in heaven.  Using the Marine Corps' leadership principals and traits, the coaches will be able to pass on to their athletes in which they will use in their everyday life.  This is an extraordinary moment and an honor for the Corps to be involved with this organization.  The ethic and spirit of the Corps is second to none"    At the tournament, college wrestlers from around the nation competed as Capt. Jay Antonelli, coach of the All Marine Wrestling Team, and All Marine Wrestler Sgt. Marcel Cooper looked on. Antonelli was the assistant coach of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team.    "This is an outstanding organization for the Marine Corps to be a part of," said Antonelli.    Marcel, the 2001 U.S. National Champion and Pan American Wrestling Champion explained how he felt the NWCA would benefit the Corps.    "This program can grow tremendously with the right planning, " said Cooper. "We can attend these tournaments across the nation and put on clinics before hand to interested athletes."    "Identifying the Marine Corps and wrestlers together is something I am pleased to see," said Cooper.  "With the training Marines undergo and the training the wrestlers do, the mind set is the same, never give up."    "We are proud to be partners with a great organization like NWCA," said Antonelli.  "The Marine Corps and the NWCA have a lot in common.  He same hard work and determination it takes to excel as a wrestler are the same traits that make a good Marine."