Takedown Report

Iraq immigrant worked tirelessly to start Portsmouth wrestling team

TDR Editor’s Notes; Incredible story. We are always glad and encouraged to learn of and see those who are promoting the sport and are widening the opportunities available to potential wrestlers.
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There are very few young men as impressive as 17-year-old Ali Alrobaiay, a junior 132-pounder who wrestles at Portsmouth (N.H.) High. And it has nothing to do with his performance on the mat. Prior to last weekend’s Division 2 state meet, in which he placed fifth, he sported a modest 13-11 record. As far as enhancing the sport of wrestling, however, there are few who can compare to Alrobaiay, who came to this country from Iraq when he was 8-years-old, settling with his family in Virginia for nearly eight years before moving to New Hampshire in 2017. Alrobaiay is a tremendous ambassador for the sport, which he first took up as an eighth grader. Almost single-handedly, he is responsible for Portsmouth starting a wrestling program, which is in its first year.
“I love everything about wrestling and, when I got here, I kept asking around for teams to wrestle for and, at first, there was nothing,” said Alrobaiay. “Then I got introduced to (Portsmouth) coach (Randy Whisler). “He got me into a youth program he had and introduced me to Jay (Robinson), who had a club program (Granite State Rebellion in Derry). He said he needed me in his program so I started wrestling with them.” Thus, within a few months of arriving in New Hampshire, Alrobaiay was heavily involved in wrestling, training and competing for the Rebellion and helping to coach youngsters in the Portsmouth youth program. But he wanted more and began lobbying, with support from Whistler, for a high school team. Rest of the story at https://www.eagletribune.com/sports/local_sports/iraq-immigrant-worked-tirelessly-to-start-portsmouth-wrestling-team/article_38922ca3-e050-51a0-a82d-8f5eac00fe51.html?mc_cid=00da07afd4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

February 24, 2019 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized