AMES, Iowa — What began as a childhood dream back in Cuba is now a reality for Iowa State wrestlers Yonger Bastida, Anthony Echemendia and Osmany Diversent. They were brought together by their love for the sport and they've formed a brotherhood rooted in their shared heritage.
Competing for championships at one of the top collegiate programs in the country has been a dream ISU seniors Bastida and Echemendia have been pursuing together since childhood.
"You guys have been together not only in the wrestling room, in the classroom, in the dorm room since we were kids," said Bastida. "Now being here together it was kind of like, you know, we always say it was a dream being able to be with a brother here in America."
The two attended the same school back in their home country of Cuba where they became like brothers.
"We literally were raised together," said Echemendia. "We grew up at the sports school since we were nine years old. We joined that school, and we would spend every single day during the week, and we would go home only on weekends. So, we would be together all the time."
Bastida and Echemendia went on to pursue wrestling in the United States and eventually, they reunited as teammates at Iowa State.
As their college careers come to a close --Osmany Diversent's is just beginning.
"I started wrestling as a kid as just something to do, to learn how to defend myself," said Diversent. "But now, it's a way to get ahead and to help my parents."
Diversent is a freshman on the team who also hails from Cuba. Bastida and Echemendia have taken him under their wing, providing him with support and guidance.
"They've shown me all the things I have to do," said Diversent. "Pay attention to your documents, pay attention to training, you have to arrive early. I'll run with you in the evening and whatever else you need. All of that. Emotional support, as well."
Bastida and Echemendia know how difficult it can be to adjust to life in the U.S.
"It's not easy," said Bastida. "Learning the language, learning a new style, because in Cuba, we were doing freestyle, and here it's folkstyle in college wrestling. I can help him going through everything. Every single emotion, too because sometimes you miss your family. So I kind of help him out and say hey, you know, everything will be good. I was there. I know what it feels like."
No matter where life takes them next, they know they have a brother for life in one another.
"Osmany doesn't have any family here in America," said Echemendia. "I don't have family here in America. Yonger doesn't really have family in America. So, who's my family? These guys are my family."
Bastida, Echemendia and Diversent are proud to represent their Cuban heritage out on the mat and they hope they can inspire others to chase their dreams.
