EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling Head Coach Tim Fader and wrestlers Robert Rocole (Jr.-Lakewood, WI/Wabeno) and Justin Karkula (Jr.-Oshkosh, WI/West) depart for Russia today to begin their cultural with both the Russian and Bulgarian national wrestling federations during the first week of June. 

UW-Eau Claire will be one of five NCAA Division III schools who will make the trip to Moscow. The other Division III schools are the Baldwin-Wallace (OH), Norwich (Vt.) University, Johnson and Whales (R.I.) University and Rhode Island College. The trip is sponsored by the National Wrestling Coaches Association. The American grapplers will get to train and learn from World and Olympic champions and receive instruction from top Russian and Bulgarian coaches. The Americans also will compete in both freestyle and Greco-Roman competitions with their Russian counterparts.

In addition to training and competing, the Blugolds will get an opportunity to tour parts of Moscow and exchange gifts with their Russian friends. You can share in the experience by visiting their blog (blugolds.com/sports/wrest/DIIICulturalExchangeBlog).

"I am really excited that Justin and Rob will get this opportunity," said Fader. "With all of the study abroad opportunities for travel at our school, this just seems like a perfect opportunity to get our wrestlers overseas.  The experience will be fantastic for these two as they enter their senior year."