When the wrestling head coach for the Army's World Class Athletic Program contacted Katerina,19, and Anastasia Lobsinger, 21, about trying out for the team, they didn't give it a second thought.
"The Army has the top team in the nation for wrestling," said Katerina. "We also have Family members in all branches of the military so this feels right."
Now finishing up their last week of Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson and preparing to graduate Jan. 26, the sisters from San Francisco are looking forward to flying through Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia to begin training for nationals in December.
Although there were no hesitation to committing to becoming a Soldier, the sisters still were nervous about joining.
They decided to come in using the buddy system.
"I was really scared that we were going to be split up," said Anastasia. "Being together was what made Basic Combat Training easier."
They both agree that the mental part of BCT is what was the hardest.
"You have to keep very strict discipline (in BCT)," said Katerina. "With wrestling the discipline just comes with your diet and training but in the Army that comes with just about everything like being able to get up on time and be ready to move."
Anastasia started wrestling when she was five years old and Katerina in 9th grade. Both women have ranked in the top 10 for best wrestlers in the world; in 2014 Katerina placed 3rd in the world and in 2012 Anastasia placed 5th.
Their drill sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Mitchell Cenkush says he especiallytook an interest in the sisters because he has a son is high school that wrestles.
"I think it's really interesting having Soldiers come through that aren't taking the typical career route as most do," he said. "It's very cool to see."
Katerina said that joining the Army was the best decision of her life.
"I'm excited to be a part of the most elite team for wrestling in the country and I'm excited that I also get to be apart of the military while I do it," said Katerina. "I'm also excited that while I'm overseas I can represent the U.S. and the Army."
Social Sharing