Submitted by: 1st Marine Corps District  Story Identification Number: 200227163530  Story by Sgt. Jonathan E. Agee    MARINE CORPS RECRUITING SUB-STATION PROVIDENCE, RI (February 2, 2002) -- They didn't enter the area with loud music or flex their muscles for the crowd each time they performed a move, but two All-Marine wrestlers did manage to leave a lasting impression on many Rhode Island high school wrestlers.    Sgt. Jess D. Hargrave and Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Clark, All-Marine wrestlers, held a wrestling clinic for the attendees of the Rhode Island Coach's All-Star Tournament, Saturday at Smithfield High School.    The tournament featured the top high school wrestlers throughout the state competing against each other to determine the number one spot in each weight class. Between the junior varsity and varsity competition, the All-Marine wrestlers took the stage and told about their experiences as professional wrestlers.    Hargrave and Clark had a captive audience from start to finish. They began by talking to the student wrestlers about how to warm up before a match. The All-Marine wrestlers demonstrated stretches, exercises and mental techniques they use to get prepared.    "We discussed diet and the mental attitude for wrestling," said Hargrave. "We also answered a lot of questions about life in the Marine Corps."    Following the warm up, Hargrave and Clark demonstrated some of the wrestling moves that have allowed them to make it to make it to the top of their game. After each demonstration, the high school wrestlers were paired up and practiced execution of the moves on each other.    The Marines watched the high school wrestlers carefully to ensure each technique was being performed properly. "They were very interested and had a lot of questions," said Hargrave. "I think they picked up on it. They should be able to take something away from it."     "They learned new techniques and moves they weren't aware of," said Chris Tribelli, Cranston East High School head wrestling coach. "The Marines are Olympic caliber wrestlers; above college."    Learning new techniques was only part of what the All-Marine wrestlers shared with the students. They also spent a portion of the clinic answering questions and explaining about their travels while wrestling for the Marine Corps.    "A lot of kids had no idea that (wrestling in the Marine Corps) was an option for them," said Tribelli. "It really peaked their interest."    The clinic was not only beneficial for the high school wrestlers, but for the Providence recruiters as well. The event provided a neutral talking ground where recruiters could speak to athletes about the advantages the Corps has to offer.     "Any type of exposure like this, when we get time on a different dance floor ... they get to see another aspect of the Marine Corps and stay active that way," said Staff Sgt. Trevor McPherson, Providence recruiter. "This is live and in color! I would do this 10 times over. A lot of these guys were in awe. These kids were looking up to them (All-Marine wrestlers) like they were gods. Half of the time their jaws were open just wanting to know what the Marines do."    According to McPherson and Hargrave, high school wrestlers are normally exactly what the Marine Corps is looking for in a new recruit. "The best part about dealing with wrestlers is that they are already up for a challenge," said McPherson. "When you find a wrestler you find someone with heart, dedication and competitiveness; and those are a lot of great qualities that make great Marines."    "Wrestlers are excellent candidates for becoming Marines," said Hargrave. "If you can be a wrestler, you can be a Marine. Wrestling instills a lot of discipline in a person and they also have to be competitive. They have the same traits."    Both the school and the Marines hailed the event as a huge success and look forward to doing something similar in the future.