Wrestler to be on back of box

A Presque Isle man who was one of six finalists to appear on the front of a Wheaties cereal box will be one of five runners-up to be featured on the back of the box starting early next year.

James “Chico” Hernandez, a top Sombo wrestler, will appear on the back of Wheaties Energy Crunch boxes as a part of the Everyday Champions program.

The prime spot on the front of the box went to triathlete Marie Bartoletti of Finleyville, Pa. Hernandez appears with the remaining finalists on the back, along with biographies of all six athletes. The winner was announced Wednesday in New York City.

Hernandez is a two-time member of the Team USA World Cup team and a silver medalist at the World Cup and Pan American Championships in Sombo wrestling, which incorporates techniques from Judo, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling. Hernandez is a social worker at the Maine Correctional Institute and is a drill instructor in the Maine National Guard.

Hernandez was chosen from more than 10,000 nominees and 50 state finalists. Individuals were asked to nominate themselves or others by submitting an essay explaining how they or the nominee is an everyday champion. Entries were judged on the nominee’s athletic accomplishments and community service and the originality of the essay.

As a runner-up Hernandez will receive a check for $2,500. General Mills, which makes Wheaties, will donate another $2,500 to a charity of Hernandez’s choice.