Akwesasne Twin Wrestlers Set Eyes on Olympic Greco-Roman Competition

 

Thomas (Rahontsiosta) Barreiro at American University, 2013.

Submitted by Jose Barreiro

Twin brothers Thomas and Phillip Barreiro (Wolf Clan) from the Akwesasne Mohawk Community are wrestling at the highest levels of international Greco-Roman competition. Most recently at the Minnesota Storm Holiday Cup, Phillip took third place at 176 lbs. beating out USA #4 Josh Greer.

"It was great to simply compete at that level," Phillip said in an interview. "Of course, to place in the tournament is a good feeling." The wrestlers trained and competed for years in freestyle, but have moved on to the Greco-Roman style, which focuses on upper-body strength, hold and throw technique. He added, "It's encouraging to be holding our own with the caliber of competition."

For the tournament, the twins were coached by Douglas Yeats, a 5-time Olympian for Canada and Canadian wrestling Hall of Famer. Doug has been working with Thomas and Phillip for nine months now as they have been focusing exclusively on Greco-Roman. Despite only recently honing in on Greco-Roman, the twins have been making excellent showings.

"Most of these guys that they are competing against have been specializing in Greco for years. I'm excited about how much progress they have made in such a short time," said Coach Doug Yeats. "Phillip bringing home a Canadian National Championship last year gives an idea of what is possible for these two."

Prior to turning their attention to Greco-Roman, the twins competed nationally for NCAA Division One American University. There they graduated with Bachelor's Degrees in 2013. The twins also brought home gold as part of Team Kahnawake in the 2006 and 2008 North American Indigenous Games.

Strongly identified with their Mohawk heritage, the twins returned to the Akwesasne community, where they both found work after graduating college last year. Phillip works as SRMT Court administrator and Thomas works as Sports, Fitness and Recreation Coordinator for the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club.

The boys were fortunate to connect with Douglas Yeats, Greco-Roman coach for "Team Impact" (Toronto-Montreal). "After college, we thought that might be it for wrestling; but having the opportunity to chase our dream under the guidance of a coach like Doug has opened a whole new competitive track," Phillip said.

"We are going full tilt, still getting stronger, always improving and adding technique," Thomas emphasized. "The top guys that we are already competitive with are in their early thirties; we are just twenty-five. If the fates are with us, we have seven or eight more years of gaining on our game and competing." Both twins grinned. "Olympics in 2016, Olympics in 2020 – makes a good dream."

The brothers are passionate about their sport and have mentored several young Kanienkehake athletes to similar success. They train and coach at the world renowned Tristar MMA gym in Montreal, QC. One of their trainees, Nolan Terrance, currently ranked third in New York, will be competing in NCAA Division 1 at SUNY Buffalo next year. They have also helped prepare local MMA fighters Brett and Dee Hart, champions in the local Spirit FC promotion, who credit recent successes to sharper wrestling skills.

"My brother and I are determined to succeed at this level and want to inspire others, young athletes like Nolan, to follow the same path," said Phillip.

DONATE TO THE DREAM

Phillip (Raweri:io) Barreiro, at Minnesota Storm Cup, 2014.

Our dream is to represent Akwesasne and Native people on Team Canada at the 2016 Olympics. 2015 will be an integral year for the 2016 selection and qualification process. In order for us to properly prepare for the Olympics we must compete at all of the following tournaments:

Dave Shultz Memorial (Jan 28-31)

Granma Cup (Feb 11-15)

Canadian Senior Nationals (March 20-22)

Pan-American Games (July 15-18)

Olympic Trials at Sherwood Park (December 2015)

We are looking for sponsors who will help us fund the travel to the above list of tournaments in the next year. Help us reach our dream of international competition. Our goal is to raise $12,000 to compete in these tournaments and have the shot to qualify for the 2016 Canadian Olympic Team.

If you have any questions or would like to donate money you can contact Thomas Barreiro at 571-289-7823 or tbarreiro184@gmail.com

 

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