Sailors gathered at Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton’s Concourse West complex wrestling room Nov. 20 in hopes of being selected for the All-Navy wrestling team.

All-Navy wrestling coach Rob Hermann was on hand at the complex for tryouts prior to his selecting team members.

“We hold tryouts each year to search for the most experienced wrestlers who are passionate about this sport,” said Hermann, a retired Navy master-at-arms. “My job is to select only the best because we train at Olympic-level and we invest so much money into our recruits.”

Before tryouts, Sailors were given a brief about the All-Navy wrestling team program and rules.

“I want to find the finest talent. We set our goals high so we can field the best Navy team,” Hermann said.

Participants were separated into different weight groups and paired together for a three-minute, free-style wrestling match.

“This is my first time trying out and I wanted to challenge myself physically,” said Aviation Ordnancemen 3rd Class Albert Sealey, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129. “If I make the team it will give me a chance to improve at this sport.”

After each group went through the first round, the top wrestlers were called up for a second round to be observed.

“My friend once went through the program and told me great things about it,” said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Chris Wittekind, Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific (SWFPAC). “I was inspired to tryout and it would mean a lot to me if I made the cut.”

All-Navy teams participate in the Department of Defense Sports Program and compete in the Armed Forces sports championships against teams from the Marine Corps, Army and Air Force. Following inter-service competition, the best Navy athletes may be selected to compete as members of the All-Armed Forces team and go on to the Military World Games, as well as other national and international competitions.

“This is something I want to get better at,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman William Bunten, VAQ-129. “I’ve been preparing for this tryout for months and making the team would give me a great sense of accomplishment.”

Only 20 Sailors will be selected to attend a six-week training camp held at Pensacola, Fla. After intensive training, Sailors will compete in the Armed Forces tournament from March 13-16 at Mountain Home, Idaho.