Five thousand, two hundred thirty-six miles away from St. Charles is a place brothers Alex and Valery Cassetta once called home. Russia. The place where the two grew up until their early teens. The 18-year-old boys came to America when they were 13 years old after being adopted from their foster home in Bechory, Russia. Now, as seniors, the brothers reflect on their early years in a place far home. While they have enjoyed America, their memories of Russia were not as fond.

“It sucked,” Valery said. “It was a terrible experience. We hardly got any food and had nothing to do. It was not a good environment to grow up in. There was no future.”

They are enjoying their life in America. They get to play sports and work on their English.

“I like America,” Valery said. “I’ve got a family and I have more opportunities.”

One opportunity that the brothers found in the states came through wrestling. Alex started because his dad pulled him into the sport. Valery was tracked down by wrestling coach Chris Brown when he found out Alex had a brother. Alex has been wrestling for about six years and Valery has been wrestling for three years. They are both on Varsity this year.

“Alex has gotten better at wrestling,” Brown said. “They both have improved their English and Valery improved his wrestling by four times.”

Head wrestling coach Harold Ritchie met them in little league when they were about 13 years old. He loves to have the boys around. Every time Alex is talked about around Ritchie though, he laughs because he remembers how Alex switches the coaches’ names.

Alex has been on Varsity for two years, went to State both years and hopes to place his senior year. Valery made Varsity this year, and hopes for the best his senior year as well. On their off season they wrestle at Team St. Louis with 6 of North’s wrestlers.

“As wrestlers, they’re good athletes,” Ritchie said. “They try really hard in America and they work really hard to become better wrestlers.”

The Cassettas love America. America has given them a family, a school, and sports to play. Valery is trying hard to make it in to college. He has been practicing for the ACT test for about five months now.

“Alex is a great kid, likes to battle, and will try new things,” Brown said. “Valery is a hard worker and is constantly trying to improve things he’s not good at.”