Newberry College Introduces Inspiring Freshman Wrestler Bashir Rostami from Afghanistan

Newberry Welcomes Unique Wrestling Talent, Bashir Rostami

NEWBERRY COUNTY – The excitement of a new wrestling season is in the air, and it brings along fresh faces with inspiring stories. This year, one standout member of the Newberry College wrestling team is freshman Bashir Rostami, whose journey from Afghanistan to Florida, and now to South Carolina, is nothing short of remarkable.

A Journey from Afghanistan to Florida

Bashir was born in Kabul, the bustling capital of Afghanistan, before moving with his family to the Parwan Province and back to Kabul again. His family has been through a lot; in fact, his sister Malalai held a significant position at the Kabul International Airport and played a heroic role in helping American troops during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Because of her brave actions, the family was able to move to the United States, specifically Tampa, Florida, where they started anew.

Bashir’s Wrestling Background

Having moved to Florida, Bashir attended Freedom High School, where he faced some challenges. He missed out on his junior year of wrestling but made a big splash during his senior year, boasting over 20 wins and only one loss. What’s impressive is this wasn’t his first taste of wrestling; he practiced for about six to seven years in Afghanistan. Alongside wrestling, he also dabbled in *kung fu, muay thai, mixed martial arts,* and *soccer*, showcasing a versatile athletic background.

Despite his achievements, Bashir’s road was not without its bumps. Unfortunately, he was disqualified from competing in the state championship, due to an unsportsmanlike tactic from his opponent. According to Bryant Blanton, the Associate Head Wrestling Coach at Newberry College, this unfortunate event led to a phone call from the opposing coach admitting their wrestler’s wrongdoing, which set the stage for Bashir’s eventual recruitment to Newberry.

Finding Home at Newberry College

Once he arrived at Newberry College, the atmosphere welcomed him with open arms. “I love the team; they help me a lot with my homework too. The coaches are so kind and nice,” Bashir said, genuinely excited about his new environment. The camaraderie among teammates and the overall college experience have made his transition smoother.

Bashir’s aspirations extend beyond wrestling. He dreams of becoming a UFC world champion, channeling the motivation from his family, particularly his late father, who passed away two years ago. “I have four or five years to be a champion,” he stated confidently.

A Holistic Approach to Life

Outside of wrestling, Bashir has a flair for the arts—he’s interested in *modeling and photography*. He even has plans to create a documentary about his remarkable journey with the help of Dr. Scott Paton, the father of one of his high school friends. Every day, he practices his faith as a practicing Muslim, committing to five daily prayers, which keeps him grounded and focused.

A Coaching Perspective

Bashir’s coach, Deral Brown, articulates his admiration: “I am excited to have Bashir at Newberry College and look forward to the diversity he brings to our team, not just culturally but in terms of his wrestling style.” Blanton echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Bashir’s story showcases his solid values and dedication.

Looking to the Future

As the wrestling season heats up, the energy is palpable with anticipation for the next match, scheduled for November 6, 2024, at Lincoln Memorial University. With Bashir Rostami as a vital team member, the Newberry College wrestling squad is definitely one to watch, not just for their athletic performances but for the inspiring stories behind each athlete. You can keep up with their journey by searching Newberry College wrestling on social media.