Unique Events: Wrestling on an Aircraft Carrier

This past winter, two California wrestling programs competed on the water. 

On December 23, the first “Clash on the Carrier” dual meet was held between Liberty and Folsom high schools aboard the USS Hornet, a retired aircraft carrier turned museum in Alameda. 

The meet took place inside a hangar, with mats set up beside retired military helicopters and aviation exhibits. 

The USS Hornet (CV-12), a National Historic Landmark, is a decorated Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1943 that served in World War II and the Vietnam War. One of the most decorated vessels in the Pacific Fleet, with nine battle stars, the ship also recovered the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 missions. It was decommissioned in 1970 and reopened as a museum at Pier 3 in Alameda in 1998. 

Alex Encarnacion-Strand, former head wrestling coach at Liberty, said one of his assistant coaches works with the Navy and helped organize the event. He said he knows several of the coaches at Folsom, and the school quickly agreed after he proposed the idea. 

Part of the idea behind the event was to put wrestlers in an unfamiliar setting to help them prepare for future competitions, such as the state tournament. The day opened with youth wrestling bouts before the varsity teams competed, with then-No. 26 Folsom winning 64-18. 

While it is undecided whether the event will become an annual tradition, student-athletes, parents and fans experienced a unique opportunity. 

Photo credits: Jeff Weisinger/Brentwood Press

Jordan Morey is manager of communications and media relations at the NFHS.