Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By DAMIIAN LANG
Watersmeet TOWNSHIP — Haley and Nicole Peterson are teenagers from Watersmeet. They’re going to Romania this October to compete in the 2024 Pankration World Championships.
Pankration, you say? Yes, Pankration. It is an Ancient Greek form of combat dating back to 648 BC. In Greek mythology, it was said that the heroes Heracles and Theseus invented Pankration as a result of using both wrestling and boxing in their confrontations with opponents.
The rules have changed over the centuries. It’s a safer, more inclusive martial arts form now, but the competition for holding power over one’s opponent is the same.
During the ancient Olympic Games, Pankration had two divisions: men and boys. Referees were armed with stout rods or switches to enforce the rules. There were only two rules: no eye gouging or biting. Sparta was the only place eye gouging and biting were allowed.
Today’s Pankration is thoroughly regulated. It allows 11 kinds of kicks; six different kinds of punches; and all grappling techniques, such as throws, locks and chokes.
In modern times, the ancient sport is more focused on awarding points for punches and kicks, both in the standing position and from the ground.
There’s also an emphasis on wrestling and takedowns as opposed to stand-up fighting. The Pankratiast is looking to get to the floor as quickly as possible.
Haley and Nicole are proficient in seven different forms of martial arts. Their mother, Lisa Peterson, said, “Both girls earned their Black Belts a few months ago. They also teach the sport, do self-defense classes, and volunteer all the time.”
She added, “Nicole smiles at her opponents throughout the match.” Considering the physically serious nature of this mixed martial arts form of combat, that smile seems intimidating.
Success can grow more success. Haley, 18, and Nicole, 16, already have a couple handfuls of gold, silver and bronze medals they won at the World Championships four years ago in Athens, Greece. This year, they’re ready again for Romania in October.
The Globe met Haley, Nicole and their mother at the Fourth of July celebration in Watersmeet. The three of them were standing side by side in front of a large table of baked goods. The sales are expected to help to fund their trip to Romania. Team USA is completely self-funded — thus, the bake sale.
The following is a quote from Jenae Noonan, the 2024 USA Pankation team captain: “This level of family representation on Team USA is truly inspiring. It speaks volumes about the dedication and support systems these athletes have built within their own families. Witnessing their camaraderie and passion will be a highlight of the competition.”
Albert Peterson is the girls’ dad. Haley graduated a salutatorian of Watersmeet High School, did an internship at NASA, and has finished her second year at Gogebic Community College. Nicole is a senior at Watersmeet High School.
From Watersmeet high school, the Nimrods’ Mission statement is as follows, and the girls seem to take it seriously:
“The fullest development of the intellectual, emotional and physical capabilities of every student for active participation within a free and democratic society.”
