Poplar’s Wrestling Camp Attracts Good Turnout

The appearance of All-American wrestler Shakur Rasheed attracted about 50 young athletes to Poplar for a wresting camp on Tuesday, May 28.

Rasheed said he has conducted wrestling camps throughout many states during the last eight years, but this was his first trip to Montana. He was urged to make the trip by Poplar School teacher Buck Turcotte.

Rasheed’s wrestling accomplishments include being a four-time high school state finalist and being a state champion twice.

During his collegiate career at Penn State, he was ranked in the top eight nationally. He is a two-time Big 10 finalist.

Being a native of New York, Rasheed said he was surprised of the rural setting that northeastern Montana features.

“Everyone has been so friendly,” he added. “I like the kids. I just don’t know about the landscape yet.”

The camp was for students between kindergarten and 12th grade. The one-day camp featured wrestlers from Poplar, Wolf Point, Terry and Malta.

“The goal is to get them better in wrestling and show them anything is possible in this sport,” Rasheed said of the camp.