If you don’t succeed, try, try again.
That was the motto for former MU wrestler, Alan Waters, as he claimed the 57-kilogram title last Friday at the Dave Schultz Memorial tournament in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Waters victory qualifies him for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials which will be held in Iowa City, Iowa, in April. This was the third tournament Waters has competed in over the past three months in attempt for qualifying for the Olympic Trials.
“Every kid dreams of competing in the Olympics when they’re a kid,” Waters said. “I think everything really comes to life when you’re competing against some of the best guys not only in the country but in the world.”
Waters won his weight class with four technical falls, outscoring his opponents 47-5 and was named outstanding wrestler of the tournament in the Freestyle division. He defeated two former NCAA All-Americans and junior world bronze medalist, Stevan Micic in the finals.
“I thought it was a great tournament for me,” Waters said. “I needed it boost my confidence and I knew I only had a couple chances left to get that qualification bid, I just wanted to go out there and do what I do which is win.”
After claiming the qualification berth for the trials, Waters sent out a tweet thanking current MU wrestlers, Jaydin Clayton and John Erneste for helping him on his accomplishment.
Unlike several wrestlers competing at the international level, Waters chose to stay at Mizzou to continue helping his former coaches and teammates.
“It means a lot to me to know that I helped contribute to his success,” Claytin said.
Waters and Claytin share something in common: They both won four individual high school state championships in the state of Missouri.
Erneste, who wrestled at Park Hill High School in Kansas City, the same high school as Waters, has always looked up to Waters as a role model.
“How hard he works is a huge inspiration,” Erneste said. “We have an Olympic caliber guy in our wrestling room almost every day training with us. I think that says a lot about his character and how much he is willing to give back to this program.”
“I’ve been here at (Mizzou) forever,” Waters said. “Growing up here the past five years with Coach Smith and Coach Johnston, they know my style and what I need to do to become better. It’s an environment I’m most comfortable in.”
Waters is currently taking classes at MU and plans to apply for the physical therapy program for next year.
In his collegiate career at MU, Waters was a four-time NCAA national tournament qualifier, and two-time All-American with an overall record of 136-14 according to the MU wrestling athletic website.
